ISSN: 1899-0967
Polish Journal of Radiology
Established by prof. Zygmunt Grudziński in 1926 Sun
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2019
vol. 84
 
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Musculoskeletal radiology
abstract:
Review paper

Ultrasound elastography as a potential method to evaluate entrapment neuropathies in elite athletes: a mini-review

Agnieszka Dąbrowska-Thing
1
,
Jakub Zakrzewski
1
,
Oleg Nowak
1
,
Żaneta Nitek
1

1.
Gruca Orthopaedic and Trauma Teaching Hospital, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Otwock, Poland
© Pol J Radiol 2019; 84: e625-e629
Online publish date: 2019/12/28
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Entrapment neuropathies constitute a significant albeit still neglected problem in athletes. Currently available diagnostic options in patients with suspected neuropathies, nerve conduction studies, and magnetic resonance imaging have some drawbacks, mostly related to their invasive character, high cost, and limited availability. This paper reviews published articles documenting the use of ultrasound elastography, a novel technique to determine tissue strain, in the evaluation of nerve stiffness in entrapment neuropathy, and it discusses potential pros and cons of this method in the examination of elite athletes. Based on the review of literature, ultrasound elastography – especially shear wave elastography – seems suitable for the evaluation of entrapment neuropathies in elite athletes. Published evidence from the general population suggests that most common entrapment neuropathies (carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy of the elbow, ulnar tunnel syndrome) are associated with a significant increase in the stiffness of affected nerves, which can be accurately detected with ultrasound elastography. Before adding ultrasound elastography to the armamentarium of diagnostic tests used routinely in athletes, its accuracy in the detection of entrapment neuropathies needs to be verified in this specific group, and the reference values for peripheral nerve strain in sportspersons need to be determined.
keywords:

elastography, neuropathy, athletics, ultrasound (US)




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