Neuromuscular Ultrasound in Wrist and Hand

ABSTRACT

Neuromuscular ultrasound has been used increasingly for the diagnosis and guided-intervention of various neuromuscular structures. Using neuromuscular ultrasound, clinicians can reliably evaluate various structures in wrist and hand such as the nerves, joints, tendons or ligaments. In this article, a practical guide to the basis of neuromuscular ultrasound and the diagnostic criteria are reviewed for the diseases in wrist and hand; specifically median nerve, ulnar nerve, superficial radial nerve, wrist joint, ligaments, and stenosing tenosynovitis. Neuromuscular ultrasound can improve the accuracy of the diagnosis and the quality of patient care and is becoming a standard element in clinical practice. The development of quantitative measures also appears promising in its ability to improve patient care.