Cross‐sectional area reference values of the median nerve at the palm using ultrasound

Abstract

BackgroundThe most common neuromuscular ultrasound abnormality in carpal tunnel syndrome is enlargement of the median nerve near the distal wrist crease, but sometimes the median nerve enlarges in the palm, just distal to the transverse carpal ligament. This study was conducted to devise a protocol for measuring the median nerve in the palm and to generate reference values for nerve cross‐sectional area at this site.MethodsA systematic protocol was developed, 30 healthy individuals underwent ultrasound of the median nerve in the palm bilaterally, and cross‐sectional area was recorded.ResultsThe mean cross‐sectional area of the median nerve at the palm was between 11.4 mm2 (95% confidence interval [CI] [10.4,12.4]) and 11.6 mm2 (95%CI [10.6,12.6]).ConclusionsThe median nerve can be measured just distal to the hook of the hamate in the palm, and the mean cross‐sectional area at this site is slightly larger than it is at the distal wrist crease.

Functional Recovery and Regenerative Effects of Direct Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Treatment of Post-COVID-19 Guillain–Barré and Acute Transverse Myelitis Overlap Syndrome: A Clinical Case

“…We suggest that the therapeutic effect of direct TENS in the treatment of diabetic distal polyneuropathy is not significantly different from the therapeutic effect in the treatment of GBS. This effect is achieved by accelerating functional recovery, nerve fiber remyelination [ 25 ] and axonal regeneration [ 24 ] and increasing the regenerative capacity of peripheral nerves [ 45 ].…”

Palmar Musculature: Does It Affect the Development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? A Pilot Study

“…Most studies of ultrasound and MRI have found enlargement of the nerve proximal to the carpal tunnel to be a reliable parameter to predict CTS. 19,[22][23][24] Ng et al using MRI found that the absolute value of median nerve CSA > 0.15cm 2 either proximal or distal to the carpal tunnel was diagnostic for CTS. 18 It is possible that this parameter was a better indicator for elevated pressure within the carpal tunnel than chart diagnosis of CTS.…”