Shear Wave Elastography to Guide Perineural Hydrodissection: Two Case Reports

Abstract

Radial nerve palsy is not uncommon after humeral shaft fractures. Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection is an emerging treatment for nerve entrapment. Two cases of radial nerve injury after humeral shaft fractures with plate fixation are presented. Shear wave elastography was used to identify hardened scars surrounding the nerve, causing entrapment. These areas were marked on the skin as targets for ultrasound-guided hydrodissection. Each patient experienced full recovery of their radial nerve function. Shear wave elastography may be used to precisely identify sites of neural entrapment by scar tissue and accurately guide perineural hydrodissection, particularly in complex postoperative cases.

Keywords

• humeral fracture
• nerve tissue regeneration
• osteosynthesis
• fracture
• radial nerve
• scarring