Prognostic value of nerve ultrasound and electrophysiological findings in traumatic sural neuropathy.

INTRODUCTION

We report on the prognostic role of cross sectional area (CSA) enlargement and axonal damage in traumatic sural neuropathy (TSN).

METHODS

Reference values were defined in 23 healthy subjects. 13patients with TSN underwent evaluation (Thessaloniki Hypesthesia Score (THS), ultrasound, electrophysiology). All patients were followed up with THS 6 months after initial evaluation.

RESULTS

During initial evaluation, the 13 patients showed a mean THS of 2.6 (SD ± 0.9). 7 patients showed pathological (pUS) and 6 normal CSA (nUS). 8 patients showed axonal affection (pCS) and 5 no axonal affection (nCS). During follow up, mean THS was 3.1 (SD ± 0.9) in pUS, and 1.8 (SD ± 0.7) in the nUS group (p < 0.001). Mean THS was 2.8 (SD ± 0.7) in pCS, and 2.1 (SD ± 0.9) in nCS group (p = 0.035).

DISCUSSION: CSA enlargement, but not axonal loss, seems to have a negative prognostic role in patients with TSN.