OBJECTIVETo evaluate the application of ultrasonography in diagnosis and treatment of the upper arm radial neuritis.

METHODSFrom 2005.12 to 2011.7, 10 patients of the upper arm radial neuritis were selected and included 6 males and 4 females with an average age of 32 years old ranging from 20 to 40 years. The course of disease ranged from 4 months to 2 years. All patients feel pain on the outside of upper arm. Medical examination showed Tinel's sign masculine, and the muscle force included extension of wrist and fingers were reduced. Upper arm radial neuritis were diagnosed by clinical sign and medical examination. All patients underwent ultrasonography examination, electrophysiology examination and operation. The ultrasonography were compared to the results of electrophysiology examination,and ultrasonography were compared to intra-operative findings and pathology examination.

RESULTSThe ultrasound images showed average diameter of affected limb radial nerve were (0.29+/-0.04) cm, average area were (0.23+/-0.05) cm2, and all of these were greater than uninjured side. Ultrasonograghic findings and orientation of radial neuritis were consistent with intra-operative findings,and the results of ultrasonography were consistent with the results of pathology examination.

CONCLUSIONUltrasonography examination provide morphological evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of the upper arm radial neuritis.