Abstract
Background and Purpose: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for surgical repair of a transected nerve have not been published. We describe the first reported postoperative MR imaging findings of a repaired transected ulnar nerve. Methods: A patient presented to our institution following surgical repair of a severed ulnar nerve at the level of the forearm. MRI was obtained to evaluate postsurgical outcome and potential complications. Results: Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates the presence of nerve fascicles that are clearly depicted above and below the level of injury but appear indistinct at the level of transection. Conclusion: To our knowledge, the MRI appearance of a repaired transected nerve has not been previously described. We believe that the MRI findings may be used to assess the anatomic progress of nerve healing and, when combined with a series of progressively favorable results from a focused neurologic exam, provide convincing evidence of nerve regeneration.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 73-75 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2010 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Transection
- Ulnar nerve
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine