Ultrasound-Guided Near-Nerve Needle Sensory Technique for the Diagnosis of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Background: Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is one of the most common entrapment syndromes. Although diagnosis is supported by imaging tests, it has so far been based on clinical findings. Neurophysiological tests are not effective for providing an accurate diagnosis. The objective of this study was to analyze the efficacy of the ultrasound-guided near-nerve needle sensory technique (USG-NNNS) for the diagnosis of TTS Methods: The study population comprised 40 patients referred for a neurophysiological study owing to clinical suspicion of TTS. Routine neurophysiological tests were performed and compared with the results of USG-NNNS. Results: The diagnosis of TTS was achieved in 90% of cases. We found significant differences between lateral plantar sensory recordings with surface electrodes and USG-NNNS techniques for amplitude, nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and duration. As for the medial plantar sensory recordings, differences were found only for duration. No responses were obtained with surface electrode studies in 64.8% of cases. In addition, we observed normal sensory NCV with surface electrodes in 20 patients, although this decreased when the NNNS technique was used. Conclusions: This is the first report of the efficacy of the USG-NNNS technique for confirming the diagnosis of TTS.

The Effectiveness and Safety of Commonly Used Injectates for Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodissection Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Entrapment Syndromes: A Systematic Review

Background: Peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes commonly result in pain, discomfort, and ensuing sensory and motor impairment. Many conservative measures have been proposed as treatment, local injection being one of those measures. Now with high-resolution ultrasound, anatomical details can be visualized allowing diagnosis and more accurate injection treatment. Ultrasound-guided injection technique using a range of injectates to mechanically release and decompress the entrapped nerves has therefore developed called hydrodissection or perineural injection therapy. Several different injectates from normal saline, local anesthetics, corticosteroids, 5% dextrose in water (D5W), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are available and present clinical challenges when selecting agents regarding effectiveness and safety.Aims: To systematically search and summarize the clinical evidence and mechanism of different commonly used injectates for ultrasound-guided hydrodissection entrapment neuropathy treatment.Methods: Four databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane were systematically searched from the inception of the database up to August 22, 2020. Studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of different commonly used injectates for ultrasound-guided hydrodissection entrapment neuropathy treatment were included. Injectate efficacy presents clinical effects on pain intensity, clinical symptoms/function, and physical performance, electrodiagnostic findings, and nerve cross-sectional areas. Safety outcomes and mechanism of action of each injectate were also described.Results: From ten ultrasound-guided hydrodissection studies, nine studies were conducted in carpal tunnel syndrome and one study was performed in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. All studies compared different interventions with different comparisons. Injectates included normal saline, D5W, corticosteroids, local anesthetics, hyaluronidase, and PRP. Five studies investigated PRP or PRP plus splinting comparisons. Both D5W and PRP showed a consistently favorable outcome than those in the control group or corticosteroids. The improved outcomes were also observed in comparison groups using injections with normal saline, local anesthetics, or corticosteroids, or splinting. No serious adverse events were reported. Local steroid injection side effects were reported in only one study.Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection is a safe and effective treatment for peripheral nerve entrapment. Injectate selection should be considered based on the injectate mechanism, effectiveness, and safety profile.

Dynamic ultrasonography for assessing the nerve-fasciae relationship in entrapment syndromes

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Modern Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

Conventionally TOS has been thought to represent a group of diverse disorders that result in compression of the neurovascular bundle exiting the thoracic outlet. Until recently, TOS classification has been based on symptoms, rather than the underlying pathology, with the subgroups consisting of neurogenic (NTOS), venous (VTOS or PSS), and arterial (ATOS). Neurogenic TOS accounts for over 95% of the cases, followed by venous (3–5%) and arterial (1–2%). Neurogenic TOS (NTOS) has been further divided into True NTOS (TNTOS) and Disputed NTOS (DNTOS), with DNTOS reportedly representing 95–99% of all neurogenic cases. In order to decrease confusion and to improve therapeutic results with TOS, the disease should be classified based on the underlying pathologic entity. Acquired and traumatic abnormalities of the clavicle and first rib should be classified separately. Clearly after the more common and objectively supported diagnoses of conditions that result in neurovascular symptoms of the upper extremity, such as cervical spine disease, carpal tunnel disease, and nerve entrapment syndromes, have been ruled out, there remains a group of patients who are suspected of having TOS. In these patients, rather than the more usual classification such as arterial, venous, or neurogenic, the more accurate approach from a diagnostic and therapeutic approach is to classify them as: Cervical Rib Disease: Patients with cervical rib syndrome (CRS) can have complications relating to compression of the subclavian artery (previously referred to as ATOS) and the brachial plexus(previously referred to as True NTOS) secondary to a well-formed cervical rib, or to an incompletely formed first rib, fibrous band associated with a rudimentary cervical rib, or a giant transverse process of C7. Thoracic Outlet Disease or “Subclavian Vein Compression Syndrome”: In these patients an abnormal first rib at its junction with the sternum results in compression of the subclavian vein at the subclavian-innominate junction. Compression of the vein results in venous hypertension in the upper extremity and resultant neurologic symptoms. With prolonged compression of the subclavian-innominate junction, the vein clots giving rise to Paget–Schroetter syndrome. Therefore, patients who have been previously classified as Disputed Neurogenic and Venous TOS represent a variable symptomatic presentation of the same pathologic entity, which affects the subclavian vein. Presently MRA of the thoracic outlet with arm maneuvers is the test of choice in patients suspected of having TOS. This test shows the abnormal bony tubercle on the first rib with extrinsic compression of the subclavian innominate junction, which is exacerbated with elevation of the arm above the shoulder. Robotic resection of the medial aspect of the first rib along with disarticulation of the costo-sternal joint has the best reported results to date.

Penile Entrapment Syndrome in Young Children

Introduction Entrapment syndromes can occur in extremities like the genitalia, the penis, toes and fingres and mostly due to hair shed by the mother mostly in young children but may be other materials are involved specially in adults. Penile hair Entrapment syndrome is an uncommon health problem that leads to devastating injuries to the urethra and penis including urethral fistula up to urethral complete transaction and penile injury up to penile amputation. We are going to discuss our experience with the problem. Materials and Methods All 15 patients between 2018 and 2020 had been operated upon for various degrees of Penile hair Entrapment syndrome from simple single urethral fistula, and complete urethral transection, their ages ranged between 1.5 years to 4.6 years. Follow up ranged between 6 months to 1.4 years. Each patient was invstigated and examined at the emergency room for other entrapment syndromes and the causative agent was removed and the patients were admitted for managing their urethral and penile injuries. Results All 15 patient but 1 had complete healing with fistula healing and normal voiding with no meatal stenosis or urethral divritculum. One patient had incomplete urethral Closure wit redo operation and fistula closure. Discussion There are multiple reports and literature that address the problem yet nobody took into account how to prevent it. There should be public awarence about the problem, the mother should examine her child for any entrapment syndrome and if any suspicious finding she sholud seek medical advice. Conclusion Penile entrapment syndromes are uncommon urological health problems that can face the urologist but he should be aware of the problem that can affect young children and he should put in mind the problem to manage it as early as possible to prevent further damage of the valuable urethra and penis.

Ultrasound imaging and guidance in peripheral nerve entrapment: hydrodissection highlighted

Ultrasound (US) imaging has become one of the most useful modalities to assess peripheral nerve disorders. Nowadays, it is as important as nerve conduction studies and electromyography for peripheral nerve entrapment. Additionally, US is also helpful in guiding a possible intervention. As peripheral nerves are tiny, palpation-guided injections are really challenging for precisely targeting the nerves. By using US, perineural injections have significantly become safe and effective. Recently, US-guided hydrodissection has emerged as the mainstream for nerve entrapment. Accordingly, this review aims to summarize and update the mechanism and evidence regarding this imperative procedure for neuropathic pain management. Furthermore, the pathogenesis, anatomic features, US findings and histological correlations of nerve entrapment syndromes will also be discussed in this article.

Neuromuscular Mimics of Entrapment Neuropathies of Upper Extremities

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy are such common maladies affecting the upper extremties that they often become the default diagnosis when patients complain of numbness, pain, or weakness of the hands. While often correct, there are a number of other conditions that can also cause sensory or motor loss of the hands, which should be considered when appropriate, as they can mimic upper extremity entrapment syndromes. Methods: In this review, we will discuss such mimics, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, multifocal motor neuropathy, hereditary neuropathy with pressure palsies, mononeuropathy multiplex, Lewis-Sumner syndrome, brachial plexitis (Parsonage-Turner syndrome), myotonic dystrophy, inclusion body myopathy, and distal myopathy of Welander. We will discuss the clinical presentation, as well as diagnostic testing, treatment (if available), and prognosis. Conclusion: The objective is to provide a differential diagnosis for those patients who do not fit well clinically or respond to usual therapy for entrapment neuropathy of the upper extremities.

Entrapment syndromes

Peripheral nerve entrapment is common. Patients present with tingling and pain in the distribution of the affected nerve. This will progress to altered sensation and weakness with prolonged and/or increasing pressure. The most common nerve entrapment syndromes are carpal tunnel affecting the median nerve at the wrist and cubital tunnel affecting the ulnar nerve at the elbow. They affect the working population, so time-efficient diagnosis and robust effective treatment strategies are important to minimize the financial implications to industry. Aetiology, diagnosis, and management strategies for carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and meralgia paraesthetica are discussed in this chapter along with a brief overview of other entrapment syndromes. Current controversies between open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release are also reviewed.

Internal Derangement of the Wrist and Hand

Chapter 106 discusses the normal MRI anatomy and imaging findings of the major and common disorders leading to internal derangements of the wrist and hand including osteonecrosis (ON) of the scaphoid and lunate bones, tendon and ligamentous injuries, and common nerve entrapment syndromes. The anatomy of the wrist and hand is complex. A wide spectrum of traumatic, inflammatory, and degenerative conditions affects the wrist and hand. High-resolution MRI of the wrist and hand and MRA of the wrist provide excellent evaluation of the osseous and soft tissue structures and in many instances represent the study of choice. Radiography, CT, arthrography, CTA, and diagnostic US represent the alternative and/or complementary imaging methods in the evaluation of these structures.