Role of Ultrasonography in Evaluation of Peripheral Nerves

Ultrasonography is first line, cost-effective modality in imaging of peripheral nerves. High frequency probes allow high resolution imaging of peripheral nerves located at relatively superficial location. USG can diagnose and localize various pathologies that involve the peripheral nerves such as traumatic, inflammatory, infective, neoplastic, and traumatic neuropathies. USG exceptionally has an important role to play in evaluation of patients with suspected nerve injury, as MRI may not differentiate neural contusion from nerve disruption. Neurapraxic injury is seen as swollen nerve with hypoechoic appearance.