Perspective

Ultrasound imaging and guidance in peripheral nerve entrapment: hydrodissection highlighted

*Author for correspondence:

Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei, 10845, Taiwan

National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan

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Wei-Ting Wu

Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei, 10845, Taiwan

National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan

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Levent Özçakar

Department of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, 06532, Turkey

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Published Online:12 Mar 2020https://doi.org/10.2217/pmt-2019-0056

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Abstract

Ultrasound (US) imaging has become one of the most useful modalities to assess peripheral nerve disorders. Nowadays, it is as important as nerve conduction studies and electromyography for peripheral nerve entrapment. Additionally, US is also helpful in guiding a possible intervention. As peripheral nerves are tiny, palpation-guided injections are really challenging for precisely targeting the nerves. By using US, perineural injections have significantly become safe and effective. Recently, US-guided hydrodissection has emerged as the mainstream for nerve entrapment. Accordingly, this review aims to summarize and update the mechanism and evidence regarding this imperative procedure for neuropathic pain management. Furthermore, the pathogenesis, anatomic features, US findings and histological correlations of nerve entrapment syndromes will also be discussed in this article.

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Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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Vol. 10, No. 2

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Received 31 October 2019

Accepted 13 January 2020

Published online 12 March 2020

Published in print March 2020

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Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

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