Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection decreases gliding resistance of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel

Stefanie Evers, Andrew R. Thoreson, Jay Smith, Chunfeng Zhao, Jennifer R. Geske, Peter C. Amadio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess alterations in median nerve (MN) biomechanics within the carpal tunnel resulting from ultrasound-guided hydrodissection in a cadaveric model. Methods: Twelve fresh frozen human cadaver hands were used. MN gliding resistance was measured at baseline and posthydrodissection, by pulling the nerve proximally and then returning it to the origin. Six specimens were treated with hydrodissection, and 6 were used as controls. Results: In the hydrodissection group there was a significant reduction in mean peak gliding resistance of 92.9 ± 34.8 mN between baseline and immediately posthydrodissection (21.4% ± 10.5%; P = 0.001). No significant reduction between baseline and the second cycle occurred in the control group: 9.6 ± 29.8 mN (0.4% ± 5.3%; P = 0.467). Discussion: Hydrodissection can decrease the gliding resistance of the MN within the carpal tunnel, at least in wrists unaffected by carpal tunnel syndrome. A clinical trial of hydrodissection seems justified. Muscle Nerve 57: 25–32, 2018.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)25-32
Number of pages8
JournalMuscle and Nerve
Volume57
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2018

Keywords

  • carpal tunnel
  • gliding resistance
  • hydrodissection
  • injection
  • nerve
  • ultrasound

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
  • Physiology (medical)

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