HSS Ultrasound of the Month Case 118

History 23 year old male with finger numbness after laceration of the distal forearm by glass.

Diagnostic ultrasound was requested to evaluate the median nerve.

Ultrasound of the Month – Case 118

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Ultrasound of the Month – Case 118

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Ultrasound of the Month – Case 118

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Diagnosis: Partial (Incomplete) Laceration of the Median Nerve

Discussion Peripheral nerves as well as tendons of the upper extremities are vulnerable to lacerations due to penetrating trauma.

Nerve lacerations can be partial (involving some but not all of the nerve fascicles) or complete.

For peripheral nerves of the extremities, ultrasound is the ideal initial imaging modality for assessing for structural injury because of its high spatial resolution, easy access, and quick scan time.

Ultrasound is very useful for characterizing the degree of laceration, presence of fluid collections, and presence of retained foreign bodies.

Ultrasound of the Month – Case 118

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