Ultrasound study is useful to discriminate between axonotmesis and neurotmesis also in very small nerves: a case of sensory digital ulnar branch study

Abstract

Discrimination between axonotmesis and neurotmesis is crucial in traumatic nerve injury. We present the case of a 43-yearold woman which presented hypoesthesia in the fourth and fifth right fingers, started after surgery for Dupuytren syndrome. At ultrasound study, the ulnar digital sensory branch was identified. Before the division into the two terminal branches, a neuroma was observed, while neurotmesis was excluded. This case shows the utility of ultrasonography in peripheral nervous system examination and the possibility of visualization of very small nerves and their terminal branches.