The Assessment of Anatomic Structure of Median Nerve in Diabetic and Control Group Patients Using Ultrasound: A Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective: In this study we measured the anatomic structure of median nerve in three different levels of carpal tunnel in diabetic and control group patients using ultrasound. Methods: Between January 2016 and May 2016, 52 diabetic and 46 control group patients were evaluated by ultrasound. Median nerve cross sectional area was measured and recorded in its largest part at the level of proximal, midtunnel, and distal of transvers carpal ligament. Results: While no significant difference was found between the measurement of the median nerve cross sectional area at proximal level (p>0.05), a significant differences was found in the midtunnel and distal level of transvers carpal ligament (p<0.05). Median nerve cross sectional area was found to be larger in the diabetic patients than in control group patients. Conclusion: The anatomical structure of median nerve can be dynamically evaluated in a short time without causing any discomfort to the patient using ultrasound. Ultrasound is a valuable imaging technique tp detect changes occurring at an early stage in median nerve in patients with risk of peripheral neuropathy.