OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to detect the role of ultrasound (US) in preoperative diagnosis of traumatic nerve injuries in the forearm and hand and correlation with operative findings.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Thirty patients (30) with thirty one (31) traumatic median, ulnar and radial nerve injuries in forearm and hand were evaluated by ultrasound. All patients underwent surgical exploration and the sonographic findings were compared with the surgical data.
RESULTS:
Neuroma in-continuity was the most common US finding found in fourteen (14) injured nerves (45.2%). Followed by complete tear found in seven (7) injured nerves (22.6%). Incomplete tear is the least common findings found only in two (2) injured nerves (6.5%) The preoperative US findings in our study had agreed with intra-operative data in twenty nine (29) out of thirty one (31) injured nerves (93.5%).
CONCLUSION:
Ultrasonography provides an economical and accurate imaging modality that can be utilized in diagnosis, assessment and treatment planning of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries.