Sonographic evaluation of the thenar compartment musculature.

Abstract

The thenar region was studied with ultrasonography in 10 healthy volunteers. All thenar muscles could be identified and their course followed entirely. In addition, their function could be assessed by scanning during unresisted or resisted active movements. Standard approach, normal appearance, and dynamic tests for each muscle are described.

Correlating ultrasound findings of carpal tunnel syndrome with nerve conduction studies

“…In some cases, the ultrasound image was magnified. The thicknesses of the thenar and hypothenar eminences were imaged approximately parallel to the first and fifth metacarpal bones from the palmar surface near the recording electrode position of the motor NCS . The thickness of the thenar eminence was measured from abductor pollicis brevis muscle to opponens pollicis muscle.…”

“…The thicknesses of the thenar and hypothenar eminences were imaged approximately parallel to the first and fifth metacarpal bones from the palmar surface near the recording electrode position of the motor NCS. 5,6 The thickness of the thenar eminence was measured from abductor pollicis brevis muscle to opponens pollicis muscle. The thickness of the hypothenar eminence from the abductor digiti minimi muscle to opponens digiti minimi muscle was measured ( Fig.…”

Reliability of sonographic muscle thickness measurements of the thenar and hypothenar muscles

“…Some investigators have described their own standard measurement technique by investigating the reliability of their method on a control group before the study, whereas others had no reliability assessment . Grechenig et al described sonomorphologic assessment techniques for the thenar and hypothenar muscles in 2 different studies, yet neither study included a statistical analysis. Kim et al measured longitudinal thickness of thenar and hypothenar muscles to calculate correlations between ultrasonographic measurement of the thenar muscle and nerve conduction studies in carpal tunnel syndrome .…”

“…Kim et al measured longitudinal thickness of thenar and hypothenar muscles to calculate correlations between ultrasonographic measurement of the thenar muscle and nerve conduction studies in carpal tunnel syndrome . They used the same scan planes that were proposed by Grechenig for the thickness measurements of the thenar and hypothenar muscles. All measurements were performed by a single sonographer, and there was no reliability assessment for their measurement technique.…”

“…There have been a few studies evaluating intrinsic hand muscles, but a common, standardized method for sonographic measurement is lacking. Some investigators have described their own standard measurement technique by investigating the reliability of their method on a control group before the study, whereas others had no reliability assessment .…”