Diagnostic ultrasonography of upper extremity dynamic compressive neuropathies in athletes: A narrative review

Abstract

Purpose: This narrative review identifies and summarizes current evidence for diagnostic ultrasonographic evaluation of upper extremity dynamic compressive neuropathies affecting athletes.

Methods: Relevant literature was identified using the PubMed database and then summarized.

Results: The compressive neuropathies affecting athletes we identified included: neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, pectoralis minor syndrome, quadrilateral space syndrome, suprascapular nerve entrapment, proximal median nerve entrapment or bicipital aponeurosis/lacertus fibrosus (lacertus syndrome), radial tunnel syndrome, and cubital tunnel syndrome. Symptoms may develop only during specific sport activity, after specific sport-related trauma, or in setting of overuse during sport. Diagnostic ultrasound strategies assessing compressive neuropathies focus on static evaluation of nerves and surrounding structures, as well as dynamic evaluation of these structures in certain degrees of shoulder abduction, elbow flexion, or forearm pronation.

Conclusion: Ultrasonography can be used as a diagnostic tool in assessing upper extremity dynamic compressive neuropathies. Ultrasound allows for dynamic evaluation of these rare conditions, especially for athletes who primarily develop symptoms during movement or participation in sport.

Keywords: Athletes; Diagnostic ultrasound; Dynamic compressive neuropathies; Upper extremity.