Oxyneurography: A new technique for the measurement of nerve oxygenation

Abstract

Oxyneurography can lead to the early detection of a compromise in a nerve's oxygenation status leading to neuropathy.

Increased nerve vascularization detected by color doppler sonography in patients with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow indicates axonal damage

“…Using oxyneurography (ONG), a new application of the near‐infrared spectroscopy technique in non‐invasive surface measurement of nerve oxygenation, Jabre et al evaluated the vascular and perfusion status of the ulnar nerve 18. They found a significant correlation between the ONG index, a ratio of oxygenated over total hemoglobin content, and ulnar motor conduction velocity across the elbow.…”

“…The lower the ONG index the slower the motor conduction velocity across the elbow. ONG may provide an early means of identification of nerve pathology that may precede the onset of myelin or axonal damage 18. In muscles, a significant reduction of muscle oxygen consumption was associated with increased blood flow,19, 20 which was interpreted to be a compensatory mechanism for the muscular oxygen deficit.…”