주관절부 척골 신경병증에서의 초음파 소견 및 유용성

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate preoperative ultrasonographic findings and usefulness in\nulnar neuropathy around elbow.\nMaterials and Methods: Twenty-two patients with ulnar neuropathy were performed preoperative ultrasonogram.\nThe route, location, thickness of the ulnar nerve and space occupying lesion through longitudinal\nscan were evaluated. Cross-sectional areas of the ulnar nerve were measured at the level of medial\nepicondyle and 3 cm proximal and distal to the medial epicondyle through axial scan. Correlations\nbetween swelling ratio of ulnar nerve and eletrophysiologic study and preoperative Dellon’s assessment\nwere checked.\nResults: In 21 cases (95.6%) of total 22 cases, diffuse swelling of the ulnar nerve around elbow were\nidentified. 4 cases had space occupying lesions including 3 ganglionic cysts and 1 heterotopic ossification.\nCross sectional areas at the level of medial epicondyle were significantly larger than at the level of 3\ncm proximal and distal to the medial epicondyle (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant correlations\nbetween swelling ratio of ulnar nerve and eletrophysiologic study and preoperative clinical assessment\n(p>0.05).\nConclusion: This study showed that ultrasonography was helpful to detect etiology of ulnar neuropathy\naround elbow such as space occupying lesion, morphological change or dislocation of ulnar nerve. It\ncould be useful tool for diagnosis and treatment in patients with ulnar neuropathy at elbow.\nKey Words: Elbow, Ulnar nerve, Ultrasonography