Anatomical study of the iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, and genitofemoral nerves using high-resolution ultrasound.

INTRODUCTION

In this study we aimed to determine whether high-resolution ultrasound (US) can identify the iliohypogastric (IH), ilioinguinal (II), and genitofemoral (GF) nerves and their relations.

METHODS

This investigation, initially undertaken in cadavers, was followed by a high-resolution US study in 30 healthy adult volunteers (180 nerves) by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists on separate occasions, using 2 different approaches (proximal to distal and distal to proximal). A 0-3 scale was used to assess nerve visibility. Location and course of the IH, II, and GF nerves and their relations to adjacent anatomical structures were analyzed.

RESULTS

Nerves and their terminal branches were better visualized with the distal-to-proximal approach (P < 0.05). Visualization of the terminal branches was possible in up to 60% of volunteers.

CONCLUSIONS

High-resolution ultrasound (US) can identify the IH, II, and GF nerves at the level of the abdominal wall and the terminal branches in the majority of volunteers.