[The depiction of the cubital segment of the ulnar nerve by high resolution sonography--is it a helpful diagnostic tool for the assessment of the cubital tunnel syndrome?]

Abstract

During the last years sonographic assessment of pathologies of the peripheral nerves has not only become increasingly popular but has also proved to be a valid procedure. High-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) is nowadays also performed with regard to the assessment of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS). Therefore, we now demonstrate special sonographic features of a rather frequent pathology of the peripheral nervous system that is often difficult to diagnose and treat--the primary and secondary forms of the cubital tunnel syndrome. Besides the mandatory technical requisites, a special focus is placed on anatomic-topographic peculiarities in the cubital segment of the ulnar nerve, its morphological characteristics and, especially, on changes in relation to other frequent pathologies: thus the typical sonographic findings of a proper primary compression syndrome, of traumatic impairment, and also those of inflammatory and neoplastic conditions are demonstrated. Especially in combination with electrophysiological tests, HRUS is a simple, radiation-free and hardly time-consuming method and a recommendable imaging procedure above all for the differentiation of the proper primary form from other forms of cubital tunnel syndrome. The results of HRUS examinations are not only of interest to clinical specialists but also save the patient from unnecessary follow-ups and ensure optimal prognosis and therapy.