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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2012; 16(02): 129-136
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1311764
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Nerves of the Hand beyond the Carpal Tunnel

Alberto Tagliafico
1   Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Institute of Anatomy, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
,
Angela Cadoni
1   Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Institute of Anatomy, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
,
Erica Fisci
2   Department of Radiology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
,
Sergio Gennaro
3   Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera, Universitaria San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy.
,
Luigi Molfetta
4   Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Oftalmologia e Genetica (DINOG), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
,
Maribel Miguel Perez
5   Unit of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, Faculty of Medicine (C Bellvitge), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
,
Andrea S. Klauser
6   Section Rheumatology and Sports Imaging, Department of Radiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
,
Carlo Martinoli
7   Department of Radiology, DISC, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
30 May 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Imaging studies including ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging may be required to evaluate the median nerve in patients with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome. However, the radial and ulnar nerves contribute to sensory and motor innervations to the hand as well. Compressive, traumatic, and iatrogenic events may damage the small terminal branches of these nerves. In the hand, US is able to identify injuries of the median, ulnar, radial nerve, and terminal branches. This article presents the role of imaging to evaluate the nerves of the hand with an emphasis on US. Due to its high-resolution capabilities, US is useful to determine the location, extent, and type of nerve lesion. Moreover, US is useful for a postsurgical assessment. The anterior interosseous nerve, Guyon's tunnel syndrome, and Wartenberg's syndrome are also described.

Keywords

ultrasound - anterior interosseous nerve - Guyon's tunnel - Wartenberg's syndrome - neuropathy
 

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