High frequency ultrasonographic diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome

VernacularTitle:高频超声诊断肘管综合征
Author: Yi CHENG ; Weimin CHEN ; Yi WANG
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Cubital tunnel syndrome; Ulnar nerve; Ultrasonography
From: Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2009;25(12):2254-2257
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objective To assess the value of high-resolution ultrasonography in diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods Forty-two patients (43 elbows) initially diagnosed as cubital tunnel syndrome underwent ultrasonography (US), while 15 healthy contralateral elbows of these patients taken as self controls, and 15 healthy volunteers as normal controls underwent US of the ulnar nerve. The findings of US measurements were compared with that of intra-operative results and pre-operative electromyography. Results High-resolution US displayed changes and some etiological factors of cubital tunnel syndrome. The measurements of ulnar nerve at the proximal part of the compression were higher than those in the control groups. The cut-off point of cross-sectional area (CSA) and CSA tumefaction ratio was 0.11 cm~2 and 141.50%, respectively. The sensitivity of US was 92.86% compared with intra-operative results, and was 100% when combined with pre-operative electromyography. Conclusion High-frequency ultrasound can be used as an effective method to diagnose cubital tunnel syndrome.