The application value of 3.0T 3D MR technique in displaying the knee peripheral nerve / 实用放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the morphology and characteristics of the popliteal tibial nerve and measure relevant structural parameters of the peroneal nerve passing round the fibular head and neck by 3D(three-dimensional)MR advantage sequences,and provide valuable image information for basic research and clinical work.Methods Thirty-six left knee joints of healthy volunteers were scanned using 3D MR sequences,including 3D-FS-CUBE,3D-FS-SPGR.The anatomical features in MR imaging were observed by two doctors.The different level axis section areas of the popliteal tibial nerve were measured by reconstructed 3D MR advantage sequences.The coronal/sagittal diameters and the angle of the fibular head and neck(peroneal tunnel)were also measured and compared.SPSS 19.0 software was used for further statistical analysis.Results Optimum visual rates of the knee nerve of 3D-FS-CUBE,3D-FS-SPGR sequences were 25%,89%(P<0.01).Axial section of the tibial nerve of the popliteal space was as followingtop level(Tn1,tibial nerve)(19.3 ± 1.02)mm2,midpoint level(Tn2)(23.6 ± 2.24)mm2,supracondylar level(Tn3)(29.1 ± 3.39)mm2.Coronal and sagittal diameters of the fibular head were(19.8 ± 2.95)mm,(19.7 ± 4.2)mm,and coronal and sagittal diameters of the fibular neck were(12.7 ± 3.1)mm, (13.6 ± 2.5)mm,respectively.The angle between the head and neck was 164°± 6.5°.Conclusion 3D-FS-SPGR sequence is the advantage sequence for displaying the knee nerves.The diameters of the popliteal tibial nerves gradually thicken from Tn 1 to Tn3.The structural measurements of the fibula head and neck have certain significance for fundamental research or prevention and treatment of common peroneal nerve entrapment.