The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of peripheral nerves following traumatic lesion: where do we stand?

Background: Peripheral nerve injury is a common and important cause of morbidity and disability in patients who have suffered a traumatic injury, particularly younger people. Various different injuries can result in damage to specific nerves. In patients with multiple trauma, the prevalence of peripheral nerve injury is estimated at 2.

An initial clinical experience to improve postoperative monitoring of peripheral nerve regeneration following neurotmesis using magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 Tesla.

Background: Peripheral nerve lesions in the upper limbs occur predominantly in reproductive-age men and are often caused by sharp objects. Microsurgery is the choice treatment for these injuries, and regeneration after surgery typically is evaluated with clinical and electrophysiological examinations. The aim of this study was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate peripheral nerve regeneration after complete neurotmesis, and to compare the MRI findings with those obtained with clinical and EMG evaluations.