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Ultrasound reference values of C5, C6, and C7 brachial plexus roots at the interscalene groove

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Abstract

Objectives

The objective of this study is to estimate the reference values of the brachial plexus roots at the interscalene groove. The physical and demographic characteristics of 59 healthy adult volunteers were studied. The CSA reference values and their correlations with weight, height, age, body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Fifty nine (27 males, 32 females) subjects were enrolled in the study. The mean cross sectional area of C5, C6 and C7 nerve roots were obtained.

Results

The mean CSA of the brachial plexus roots was as follows: C5 nerve root was 5.1 mm2 (range 1.7–11.1 ± 1.9 SD), C6 nerve root CSA 5.8 mm2 (range 1.7–12 ± 2.4 SD), and C7 nerve root 6.3 (range 1.6–19.6 ± 3.4 SD). There was a significant statistical difference between both sexes in our study. No statistical significant difference in tissue stiffness between dominant and nondominant hands. No statistical correlation was found between the CSA of the cervical nerve roots and different demographic factors. There was a positive statistical correlation between the CSA of C5 and both C6 and C7 nerve roots. Also positive significant statistical correlation was noted between the CSA of C6 and C7 nerve roots.

Conclusion

The CSA reference values of the C5-C7 nerve roots has been determined in asymptomatic individuals and can serve as a reference when studying pathological conditions of these structures.

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Abbreviations

CSA:

Cross-sectional area

BMI:

Body mass index

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Deanship of Scientific Research at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz university, Al-kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Mohamed A. Bedewi

  2. Neurology Department, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz university, Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Mamdouh A. Kotb

  3. Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt

    Mamdouh A. Kotb

Authors
  1. Mohamed A. Bedewi
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  2. Mamdouh A. Kotb
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Correspondence to Mohamed A. Bedewi.

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Proper informed consent was obtained from each patient.

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Bedewi, M.A., Kotb, M.A. Ultrasound reference values of C5, C6, and C7 brachial plexus roots at the interscalene groove. Neurol Sci 42, 2425–2429 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04836-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04836-1

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