The Role of Imaging for Disorders of Peripheral Nerve

Peripheral nerve imaging is a helpful and sometimes essential adjunct to clinical history, physical examination, and electrodiagnostic studies. Advances in imaging technology have allowed the visualization of nerve structures and their surrounding tissues. The clinical applications of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of peripheral nerve disorders are growing exponentially. This article reviews basics of ultrasound and MRI as they relate to nerve imaging, reviews advantages and limitations of each imaging modality, reviews the applications of ultrasound and MRI in disorders of peripheral nerve, and discusses emerging advances in the field.