Nerve ultrasound identifies abnormalities in the posterior interosseous nerve in patients with proximal radial neuropathies.

INTRODUCTION: The radial nerve and posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) are prone to injury at multiple sites. Electrodiagnostic (EDx) studies may only identify the most proximal lesion. Nerve ultrasound could augment EDx by visualizing additional pathology.

METHODS: This investigation was a retrospective examination of ultrasound and EDx from 26 patients evaluated for posterior cord/radial/PIN lesions.

RESULTS: Eighteen of 26 patients had abnormalities on EDx (15 radial, 2 PIN, 1 posterior cord). Ultrasound identified 15 of 18 (83%) of the EDx abnormalities and provided additional diagnostic information. In 6 of 15 (40%) patients with EDx evidence of radial neuropathy, ultrasound identified both radial nerve enlargement and additional, unsuspected PIN enlargement (53% to 339% enlarged vs. unaffected side). Ultrasound also identified: nerve (dis)continuity at the trauma site (n = 8); and nerve tumor (n = 2; 1 with normal EDx).

CONCLUSION: In radial neuropathy, ultrasound often augments EDx studies and identifies a second lesion in the PIN. Further studies are required to determine the etiology and significance of this additional distal pathology.