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Wolny T, Glibov K, Wieczorek M, Gnat R, Linek P. Changes in Ultrasound Parameters of the Median Nerve at Different Positions of the Radiocarpal Joint in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:4487. [PMID: 39065886 PMCID: PMC11281217 DOI: 10.3390/s24144487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Ultrasound imaging (US) is being increasingly used to aid in the diagnosis of entrapment neuropathies. This study aims to evaluate the shear modulus and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A total of 35 patients with CTS participated in the study. CSA and shear modulus testing were performed in shear wave elastography (SWE) mode in five positions of the right and left radiocarpal joints (intermediate position 0°, 45° of extension, maximum extension, 45° of flexion, and maximum flexion). There were significant side-to-side differences in the median nerve shear modulus at each wrist position as compared to the asymptomatic side. There were significant side-to-side differences in the median nerve CSA at each wrist position as compared to the asymptomatic side. Shear modulus increases in patients with CTS at different angular positions of flexion and extension of the radiocarpal joint. In individuals with CTS, the CSA of the median nerve is greater on the symptomatic side compared to the asymptomatic side. The CSA decreases in positions of maximum extension and 45° of flexion and in maximum flexion relative to the resting position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Wolny
- Musculoskeletal Elastography and Ultrasonography Laboratory, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland; (R.G.); (P.L.)
| | - Katarzyna Glibov
- Department of Internal Diseases, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Military Medical Academy, Memorial Teaching H of The Medical University of Lodz—Central Veterans Hospital, 90-419 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Michał Wieczorek
- Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, The Health Center in Mikołów Ltd., 43-190 Mikołów, Poland;
| | - Rafał Gnat
- Musculoskeletal Elastography and Ultrasonography Laboratory, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland; (R.G.); (P.L.)
| | - Paweł Linek
- Musculoskeletal Elastography and Ultrasonography Laboratory, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland; (R.G.); (P.L.)
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Aloi NF, Hyzny R, Fowler JR. Ultrasound Measurements of the Ulnar Nerve at the Medial Epicondyle Correlate With Electrodiagnostic Studies. Hand (N Y) 2024:15589447241259805. [PMID: 38902998 DOI: 10.1177/15589447241259805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common compressive neuropathy in the upper extremity and is commonly evaluated with electrodiagnostic studies (EDS). Ultrasound (US) has emerged as a potentially more efficient alternative to EDS. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether measurements of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ulnar nerve at the elbow correlate with EDS results. METHODS This study was a prospective analysis of patients who presented with signs and symptoms consistent of cubital tunnel syndrome, who received USs of the ulnar nerve at the elbow and nerve conduction tests. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the correlation between ulnar nerve CSA and electrodiagnostic data. t Tests were used to evaluate statistical differences between the mean ulnar nerve CSA of patients with positive or negative nerve conduction study results. Youden Index was used to calculate the optimal cut-off point for US CSA based on maximal sensitivity and specificity. Statistical significance was based on a two-sided P less than .05. RESULTS The association between increasing US CSA at the medial epicondyle with slowing of the conduction velocity of the ulnar motor nerve across the elbow was statistically significant (r = -0.35, P = .02). Patients with positive EDS tests had significantly larger nerve size than those with negative tests (all Ps < .03). A cut-off point of greater than or equal to 11 mm2 had a sensitivity of 70.83% and specificity of 66.67%. CONCLUSIONS Larger ulnar nerve CSAs correlate with slowing of the conduction velocity on EDSs, and those with positive EDSs have larger nerve sizes than those with negative tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas F Aloi
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, USA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA, USA
| | - Rachel Hyzny
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, USA
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Noda I, Goto R, Yamashita S, Kawanishi K, Tsutsumi M, Kudo S. Assessment of the ulnar nerve stiffness during valgus stress of the elbow using shear wave elastography: an observational cross-sectional study. J Ultrasound 2024:10.1007/s40477-024-00922-8. [PMID: 38900363 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-024-00922-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of the relationship between valgus stress in the medial elbow and ulnar nerve strain during maximum external rotation of the shoulder is pivotal for the prevention and management of ulnar neuropathies. In this observational cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine the changes in ulnar nerve stiffness under valgus stress at different nerve entrapment sites. METHODS Twenty healthy baseball players participated in the study. The stiffness of the ulnar nerve on the throwing side was assessed at two sites, the arcade of Struthers and the Osborne's ligament, at 0°, 60°, and 90° flexion by shear wave elastography using a 10-MHz linear transducer. The arcade of Struthers was defined as the proximal site and the Osborne's ligament as the distal site. Valgus stress was applied to the medial elbow at 0, 30, 50, and 70 N using a Telos stress device, and the stiffness caused by valgus stress was measured. RESULTS At all elbow flexion angles, the stiffness of the ulnar nerve under 70 N valgus stress was higher than that under 30 N stress. The stiffness of the ulnar nerve at the proximal site was significantly higher than that at the distal site. CONCLUSION Valgus stress increases ulnar nerve stiffness. In addition, the stiffness of the proximal site increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issei Noda
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, 1-26-16 Nankoukita Suminoe Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, 559-8611, Japan
- Ashiya Orthopedics Sports Clinic, Hyogo, Japan
- Inclusive Medical Science Research Institute, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rio Goto
- Yasu Orthopedics Clinic, Hyogo, Japan
| | | | - Kengo Kawanishi
- Inclusive Medical Science Research Institute, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kano General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Tsutsumi
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, 1-26-16 Nankoukita Suminoe Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, 559-8611, Japan
- Inclusive Medical Science Research Institute, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shintarou Kudo
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, 1-26-16 Nankoukita Suminoe Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, 559-8611, Japan.
- Inclusive Medical Science Research Institute, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, Osaka, Japan.
- AR-Ex Medical Research Center, Tokyo, Japan.
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Billy J, Bensamoun SF, Mercier J, Durand S. Applications of ultrasound elastography to hand and upper limb disorders. HAND SURGERY & REHABILITATION 2024; 43:101636. [PMID: 38215880 DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2024.101636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Ultrasound elastography is a recently developed method for accurate measurement of soft tissue stiffness in addition to the clinician's subjective evaluation. The present review briefly describes the ultrasound elastography techniques and outlines clinical applications for tendon, muscle, nerve, skin and other soft tissues of the hand and upper limb. Strain elastography provides a qualitative evaluation of the stiffness, and shear-wave elastography generates quantitative elastograms superimposed on a B-mode image. The stiffness in degenerative tendinopathy and/or tendon injury was significantly lower than in a normal tendon in several studies. Elastography is also a reliable method to evaluate functional muscle activity, compared to conventional surface electromyography. The median nerve is consistently stiffer in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome than in healthy subjects, on whatever ultrasound elastography technique. Elastography distinguishes normal skin from scars and can be used to evaluate scar severity and treatment. Elastography has huge clinical applications in musculoskeletal tissues. Continued development of systems and increased training of clinicians will expand our knowledge of elastography and its clinical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Billy
- Department of Hand Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sabine F Bensamoun
- Sorbonne University, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, CNRS UMR 7338, Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Compiègne, France
| | - Julie Mercier
- Department of Hand Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Durand
- Department of Hand Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Chowdhary K, Raum G, Visco C. Diagnostic utility of shear wave elastography in musculoskeletal injuries: A narrative review. PM R 2024; 16:384-397. [PMID: 38607311 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.13179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an emerging and promising ultrasound modality, and is more recently employed in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal (MSK) pathologies. SWE evaluates tissue stiffness by measuring the speed of propagating acoustic waves through body tissue structures. Knowing the variations in stiffness of MSK soft tissue can provide helpful diagnostic insight for the evaluation of pathology in muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and other soft tissues. The goal of this review is to synthesize recent literature on the utility of SWE for MSK pathology diagnosis. This review reveals that SWE adds important diagnostic data for the evaluation of several pathologies, such as median mononeuropathy at the wrist, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis. The review also reveals a lack of evidence pertaining to appropriate standardization of use and the connection to reliable and valid diagnostic benefit in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuntal Chowdhary
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - George Raum
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christopher Visco
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
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Ciuffreda G, Bueno-Gracia E, Albarova-Corral I, Montaner-Cuello A, Pérez-Rey J, Pardos-Aguilella P, Malo-Urriés M, Estébanez-de-Miguel E. In Vivo Effects of Joint Movement on Nerve Mechanical Properties Assessed with Shear-Wave Elastography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:343. [PMID: 38337859 PMCID: PMC10855485 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14030343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerves are subjected to mechanical tension during limb movements and body postures. Nerve response to tensile stress can be assessed in vivo with shear-wave elastography (SWE). Greater tensile loads can lead to greater stiffness, which can be quantified using SWE. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to perform an overview of the effect of joint movements on nerve mechanical properties in healthy nerves. The initial search (July 2023) yielded 501 records from six databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Science Direct). A total of 16 studies were included and assessed with a modified version of the Downs and Black checklist. Our results suggest an overall tendency for stiffness increase according to a pattern of neural tensioning. The main findings from the meta-analysis showed a significant increase in nerve stiffness for the median nerve with wrist extension (SMD [95%CI]: 3.16 [1.20, 5.12]), the ulnar nerve with elbow flexion (SMD [95%CI]: 2.91 [1.88, 3.95]), the sciatic nerve with ankle dorsiflexion (SMD [95%CI]: 1.13 [0.79, 1.47]), and the tibial nerve with both hip flexion (SMD [95%CI]: 2.14 [1.76, 2.51]) and ankle dorsiflexion (SMD [95%CI]: 1.52 [1.02, 2.02]). The effect of joint movement on nerve stiffness also depends on the nerve segment, the amount of movement of the joint mobilized, and the position of other joints comprised in the entirety of the nerve length. However, due to the limited number of studies, many aspects of nerve behavior together with the effect of using different ultrasound equipment or transducers for nerve stiffness evaluation still need to be fully investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Ciuffreda
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (E.B.-G.); (I.A.-C.); (A.M.-C.); (J.P.-R.); (P.P.-A.); (M.M.-U.)
| | - Elena Bueno-Gracia
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (E.B.-G.); (I.A.-C.); (A.M.-C.); (J.P.-R.); (P.P.-A.); (M.M.-U.)
- PhysiUZerapy: Health Sciences Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Isabel Albarova-Corral
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (E.B.-G.); (I.A.-C.); (A.M.-C.); (J.P.-R.); (P.P.-A.); (M.M.-U.)
- PhysiUZerapy: Health Sciences Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alberto Montaner-Cuello
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (E.B.-G.); (I.A.-C.); (A.M.-C.); (J.P.-R.); (P.P.-A.); (M.M.-U.)
- PhysiUZerapy: Health Sciences Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jorge Pérez-Rey
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (E.B.-G.); (I.A.-C.); (A.M.-C.); (J.P.-R.); (P.P.-A.); (M.M.-U.)
- PhysiUZerapy: Health Sciences Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pilar Pardos-Aguilella
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (E.B.-G.); (I.A.-C.); (A.M.-C.); (J.P.-R.); (P.P.-A.); (M.M.-U.)
- PhysiUZerapy: Health Sciences Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Miguel Malo-Urriés
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (E.B.-G.); (I.A.-C.); (A.M.-C.); (J.P.-R.); (P.P.-A.); (M.M.-U.)
- PhysiUZerapy: Health Sciences Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Elena Estébanez-de-Miguel
- Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (E.B.-G.); (I.A.-C.); (A.M.-C.); (J.P.-R.); (P.P.-A.); (M.M.-U.)
- PhysiUZerapy: Health Sciences Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Calle Domingo Miral S/N, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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Liu L, Wang T, Qi H, Cui L, Bao S, Teng J. Multimodal ultrasound evaluation of asymptomatic ulnar nerve dislocation at the cubital tunnel. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2024; 14:633-639. [PMID: 38223050 PMCID: PMC10784024 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Ultrasonography has received broad acceptance as an effective peripheral nervous imaging examination. Shear wave elastography (SWE) can quantitatively assess the stiffness of nerves; however, little research has been conducted on elastography for ulnar nerve dislocation. The purpose of this study was thus to investigate the characteristics of multimodal ultrasound, including high-resolution ultrasonography and SWE, for asymptomatic ulnar nerve dislocation at cubital tunnel. Methods In this prospective cross-sectional study, 41 participants were recruited in Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University in July 2022. The inclusion criteria for participants were being in good health and being 18-60 years of age. Meanwhile, the exclusion criterion was a history of upper limb pain or fractures, peripheral neuropathy, or systemic or immunological diseases. Finally, 38 participants were enrolled. Two ultrasound doctors measured the maximum diameter, the maximum cross-sectional area (CSA), and the shear modulus of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel independently. Another two ultrasound doctors determined whether dislocation was present during dynamic elbow flexion and extension and divided the elbows into a dislocation group and a control group. The descriptive statistics and independent sample t-test were used for data analysis, and intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine the consistency of evaluation between observers. Results Ulnar nerve dislocation was observed in 15.8% (12/76) of the ulnar nerves. There was no significant difference in the maximum diameter between the dislocation group (0.194±0.022 cm) and the control group (0.181±0.023 cm) (t=1.888; P=0.063). The CSA and SWE of the ulnar nerve were 0.064±0.009 cm2 and 43.629±6.737 kPa in the dislocation group, respectively, and were 0.050±0.008 cm2 and 31.293±7.858 kPa in the control group, respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of CSA (P<0.001) and SWE (P<0.001). The ICCs of the maximum diameter, CSA, and SWE values between observers were 0.970, 0.900, and 0.915, respectively. Conclusions Multimodal ultrasound consisting of high-resolution ultrasonography combined with elastography can comprehensively and quantitatively evaluate the morphological changes and mechanical properties of the dislocated ulnar nerve and monitor disease progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Tiezheng Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Hengtao Qi
- Department of Ultrasound, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Liyuan Cui
- Department of Ultrasound, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shougang Bao
- Department of Ultrasound, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianbo Teng
- Department of Ultrasound, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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