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Título

PRACTICAL REVIEW OF THE STUDY OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVES OF THE UPPER LIMBS

Introdução e objetivo(s)

Ultrasound has been gaining increasing prominence in the study of peripheral nerves, mainly due to technological advances and the development of high-frequency ultrasonic transducers, allowing better resolution. Ultrasound is one of the diagnostic imaging methods used to assess usual anatomy, as well as in cases of traumatic injury, compression and inflammation/infection. This study proposes a review of the normal anatomy of the nerves of the upper limbs, even as the main pathologies that affect them. For that, we use cases from our Radiology group, showing the importance of ultrasound study for recognizing normal anatomy, pathologies in the emergency or elective context.

Método(s)

We used cases from the ultrasound group in our department to show the importance of ultrasound in assessing anatomy and diagnosing different nerve pathologies such as:
• Traumatic injury;
• Inflammation;
• Compression

Discussão

Ultrasound of the peripheral nerves is an important diagnostic method in emergency and elective contexts. In this paper, we discuss the availability and importance of ultrasound as a diagnostic method for nerve pathologies. We present normal anatomy, examination documentation, the main ultrasound findings, classic signs and practical tips for evaluating and diagnosing the main pathologies. We illustrate with usual and unusual cases such as firearm injuries, nerve compression, inflammatory and infectious processes of various etiologies.

Conclusões

Ultrasound plays an important role because it doesn't use ionizing radiation and can be performed at the bedside, with real-time diagnosis. Systematic assessment of the peripheral nerves is fundamental to avoid misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. For that to happen, knowledge of normal ultrasound anatomy is essential for appropriate evaluation and early detection of pathologies.

Palavras Chave

Ultrasound; upper limbs; peripheral nerves

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