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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Educational Review

Nerve entrapment syndromes of the lower limb: a pictorial review

Authors: Shanesh Kumar, Mohammad Danish Mangi, Steven Zadow, WanYin Lim

Published in: Insights into Imaging | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Peripheral nerves of the lower limb may become entrapped at various points during their anatomical course. While clinical assessment and nerve conduction studies are the mainstay of diagnosis, there are multiple imaging options, specifically ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which offer important information about the potential cause and location of nerve entrapment that can help guide management. This article overviews the anatomical course of various lower limb nerves, including the sciatic nerve, tibial nerve, medial plantar nerve, lateral plantar nerve, digital nerves, common peroneal nerve, deep peroneal nerve, superficial peroneal nerve, sural nerve, obturator nerve, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and femoral nerve. The common locations and causes of entrapments for each of the nerves are explained. Common ultrasound and MRI findings of nerve entrapments, direct and indirect, are described, and various examples of the more commonly observed cases of lower limb nerve entrapments are provided.

Critical relevance statement This article describes the common sites of lower limb nerve entrapments and their imaging features. It equips radiologists with the knowledge needed to approach the assessment of entrapment neuropathies, which are a critically important cause of pain and functional impairment.

Key points

• Ultrasound and MRI are commonly used to investigate nerve entrapment syndromes.

• Ultrasound findings include nerve hypo-echogenicity, calibre changes and the sonographic Tinel’s sign.

• MRI findings include increased nerve T2 signal, muscle atrophy and denervation oedema.

• Imaging can reveal causative lesions, including scarring, masses and anatomical variants.

Graphical Abstract

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Title: Nerve entrapment syndromes of the lower limb: a pictorial review
Authors: Shanesh Kumar
Mohammad Danish Mangi
Steven Zadow
WanYin Lim
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Neurotomy
Published in: Insights into Imaging / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1869-4101
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-023-01514-6

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Nerve entrapment syndromes of the lower limb: a pictorial review

Abstract

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