High-resolution Ultrasound in Lower Extremity Nerves and Common Fibular Neuropathies.

The usual diagnostic work-up of patients referred for lower-extremity neuropathy includes clinical examination, biochemical tests (blood and cerebrospinal fluid), electrophysiological assessment and if necessary nerve biopsy. The electrophysiological assessment usually consists of nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG). While electrophysiological measurements generally give information about the function of nerves, high-resolution ultrasound may provide information about the structure of nerves.

High-resolution ultrasound examination has shown promising results as a supplementary tool in the diagnostic work-up of various peripheral neuropathies. The clinical utility of ultrasound in the diagnosis of common fibular neuropathies, however, calls for further elucidation.

This study establishes reference material of selected lower extremity nerves at pre-defined sites with high-resolution ultrasound. Furthermore in this study, high-resolution ultrasound of patients with common fibular compression neuropathy and patients with type 2 diabetic polyneuropathy involving the common fibular nerve will be examined and compared to healthy controls, as well as each other. High-resolution ultrasound measurements will be correlated with history, clinical information and electrophysiological data.

Inclusion criteria

• Type 2 diabetes polyneuropathy common fibular nerve affection or
• Common fibular nerve compression neuropathy

Exclusion criteria

• Lumbar radiculopathy
• Other competing lower extremity peripheral neuropathy
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Hypothyroidism