Article

A variety of tools can be used to image nerve and muscle, but in a laboratory setting, only ultrasound is available for hands-on application by an interested clinician. Most information regarding nerve and muscle has been derived from work by musculoskeletal sonographers [1]. Although their interest traditionally has been acute traumatic disorders, their experience with nerve and muscle imaging: has led to occasional forays into more traditional neuromuscular diseases [2,3]. Clinical subspecialists, including orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and rheumatologists, also have contributed to the literature in the emerging field of neuromuscular ultrasound. Ultrasound has been overshadowed by MRI and CT, which provide formal standardized views of large segments of anatomy. Ultrasound can be used to scan rapidly several areas of interest, but the static views it generates are of a focal area of anatomy, albeit one that can be enhanced by moving the probe for different perspectives or by moving the tissue of interest to evaluate its function in real time. Because electrodiagnostic clinicians already are well versed in manipulating tools for studying nerve and muscle and for localizing lesions and selecting specific muscles and nerve segments for additional detailed study, ultrasound is a natural extension of their cognitive and procedural skills. This article is an introduction to neuromuscular ultrasound from the perspective of the neuromuscular clinician. More detailed discussions of anatomy and imaging technology can be found in other sources [1,4-7]. The fullest impact of ultrasound, however, is best obtained by borrowing an instrument. Seeing real-time images of nerves and muscles and the changes of nerve compression and chronic neuromuscular disease best illustrate the potential of this technique.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI