Abstract
Background and Purpose:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for surgical repair of a transected nerve have not been published. We describe the first reported postoperative MR imaging findings of a repaired transected ulnar nerve.
Methods:
A patient presented to our institution following surgical repair of a severed ulnar nerve at the level of the forearm. MRI was obtained to evaluate postsurgical outcome and potential complications.
Results:
Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates the presence of nerve fascicles that are clearly depicted above and below the level of injury but appear indistinct at the level of transection.
Conclusion:
To our knowledge, the MRI appearance of a repaired transected nerve has not been previously described. We believe that the MRI findings may be used to assess the anatomic progress of nerve healing and, when combined with a series of progressively favorable results from a focused neurologic exam, provide convincing evidence of nerve regeneration.
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MD Swanger, R.S., Maldjian, C. & Buckley, K. MRI Appearance of Nerve Regeneration in a Surgically Repaired Ulnar Nerve. Eur J Trauma 36, 73–75 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-009-8139-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-009-8139-8