Ultrasonographic cross-sectional area normal values of the ulnar nerve along its course in the arm with electrophysiological correlations in 100 Asian subjects

Muscle Nerve. 2013 May;47(5):673-6. doi: 10.1002/mus.23639. Epub 2013 Feb 10.

Abstract

Introduction: Normative cross-sectional areas (CSAs) have been obtained for the Western population. We obtained CSAs of normal ulnar nerves at predetermined sites and correlate them with electrophysiological variables in Asian subjects.

Methods: One hundred healthy volunteers, mean age 39 ± 14 years (range, 18-75 years), were recruited for the study after obtaining informed consent. The ulnar nerve was examined ultrasonographically from wrist to axilla, and CSA was measured at predetermined sites. All subjects underwent a simultaneous standardized nerve conduction study.

Results: Men had larger CSAs, and CSAs increased with advancing age. There was a statistically significant correlation between CSA at the wrist and distal ulnar motor latency (P = 0.005).

Conclusions: Ulnar CSA correlated with age, gender, and distal motor latency. No correlations were observed with height, weight, or body mass index.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction / physiology*
  • Reference Values
  • Ulnar Nerve / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ulnar Nerve / physiology
  • Ultrasonography
  • Wrist / innervation*