Fascicular involvement in common fibular neuropathy: Evaluation with ultrasound

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to demonstrate single fascicular involvement in common fibular (CF) neuropathy using high-resolution ultrasound (US).

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 40 adult patients with clinical and electrodiagnostic suspected CF neuropathy between April 2012 and December 2014. Two musculoskeletal radiologists used high-resolution US probes to prospectively and independently evaluate the CF nerve bilaterally in these patients. The presence of single fascicular involvement (increased cross-sectional area and loss of fascicular echotexture) was recorded.

Results: US revealed involvement of only 1 fascicular component of the CF nerve in 7 patients. In all these patients, US revealed involvement of the anterior fascicles corresponding to fibers for the deep fibular nerve.

Conclusions: High-resolution US allowed identification of single fascicular involvement in CF neuropathy. Anterior fascicular involvement was present in up to 17% of patients with suspected CF neuropathy.

Keywords: diagnosis; fascicle; fibular nerve; mononeuropathy; ultrasound.