Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Median Nerve

The median nerve is a crucial structure in the forearm and wrist, responsible for motor and sensory functions. Accurate diagnosis of nerve injury is essential for appropriate treatment planning and optimizing patient outcomes. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nerve conduction studies (...

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Main Authors: Robert C Manske, Chris Wolfe, Phil Page, Michael Voight
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: North American Sports Medicine Institute 2025-05-01
Series:International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.136985
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author Robert C Manske
Chris Wolfe
Phil Page
Michael Voight
author_facet Robert C Manske
Chris Wolfe
Phil Page
Michael Voight
author_sort Robert C Manske
collection DOAJ
description The median nerve is a crucial structure in the forearm and wrist, responsible for motor and sensory functions. Accurate diagnosis of nerve injury is essential for appropriate treatment planning and optimizing patient outcomes. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are the gold standard for nerve assessment, diagnostic musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound offers a portable, real-time, and cost-effective alternative that is gaining traction in rehabilitation and sports medicine settings. MSK ultrasound has emerged as a valuable, non-invasive imaging modality for evaluating median nerve pathology, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), nerve entrapment, and traumatic nerve injuries. This article reviews the utility of MSK ultrasound in evaluating the median nerve injury, including its anatomy, common injury patterns, sonographic techniques, and clinical implications for professional rehabilitation. By integrating MSK ultrasound into clinical practice, providers can improve the accuracy of diagnosis, monitor healing progression, and guide rehabilitation strategies for optimal patient outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-c8d6ae3d1baa4adaa40dcad26aa431a22025-08-20T02:55:56ZengNorth American Sports Medicine InstituteInternational Journal of Sports Physical Therapy2159-28962025-05-0120510.26603/001c.136985Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Median NerveRobert C ManskeChris WolfePhil PageMichael VoightThe median nerve is a crucial structure in the forearm and wrist, responsible for motor and sensory functions. Accurate diagnosis of nerve injury is essential for appropriate treatment planning and optimizing patient outcomes. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are the gold standard for nerve assessment, diagnostic musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound offers a portable, real-time, and cost-effective alternative that is gaining traction in rehabilitation and sports medicine settings. MSK ultrasound has emerged as a valuable, non-invasive imaging modality for evaluating median nerve pathology, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), nerve entrapment, and traumatic nerve injuries. This article reviews the utility of MSK ultrasound in evaluating the median nerve injury, including its anatomy, common injury patterns, sonographic techniques, and clinical implications for professional rehabilitation. By integrating MSK ultrasound into clinical practice, providers can improve the accuracy of diagnosis, monitor healing progression, and guide rehabilitation strategies for optimal patient outcomes.https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.136985
spellingShingle Robert C Manske
Chris Wolfe
Phil Page
Michael Voight
Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Median Nerve
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
title Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Median Nerve
title_full Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Median Nerve
title_fullStr Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Median Nerve
title_full_unstemmed Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Median Nerve
title_short Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Median Nerve
title_sort diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound in the evaluation of the median nerve
url https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.136985
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