High frequency ultrasound evaluation of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries

Objective: Accurate diagnosis and localization of peripheral nerve traumatic injury remains difficult. Early diagnosis and repair of nerve discontinuity lesions lead to better outcome than delayed repair. Materials and methods: We used new high frequency ultrasound to evaluate 24 patients with 29 traumatic nerve injuries. There were a variety of causes including gunshot wounds, blunt injuries, burns, stabbings, and motor vehicle accidents. The patients were then either treated surgically with nerve status directly observed or followed clinically for recovery of nerve function. Results: The ultrasound findings correspond with the clinical outcome of 28 of the 29 nerves. Conclusion: While this is a study limited by a small patient number, ultrasound evaluation should be considered in the evaluation of nerve injury and can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of surgical nerve injuries.