Anatomical study of the iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, and genitofemoral nerves using high‐resolution ultrasound. Issue 1 (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tagliafico, Alberto; Bignotti, Bianca; Cadoni, Angela; Perez, Maribel Miguel; Martinoli, Carlo
• Is Part Of: Muscle & nerve. Volume 51:Issue 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 42
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Neuromuscular diseases -- Periodicals; Muscles -- Periodicals; Nerves -- Periodicals; 616.74
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.24277
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-639X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p> <italic>Introduction</italic>: In this study we aimed to determine whether high‐resolution ultrasound (US) can identify the iliohypogastric (IH), ilioinguinal (II), and genitofemoral (GF) nerves and their relations. <italic>Methods</italic>: This investigation, initially undertaken in cadavers, was followed by a high‐resolution US study in 30 healthy adult volunteers (180 nerves) by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists on separate occasions, using 2 different approaches (proximal to distal and distal to proximal). A 0–3 scale was used to assess nerve visibility. Location and course of the IH, II, and GF nerves and their relations to adjacent anatomical structures were analyzed. <italic>Results</italic>: Nerves and their terminal branches were better visualized with the distal‐to‐proximal approach (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.05). Visualization of the terminal branches was possible in up to 60% of volunteers. <italic>Conclusions</italic>: High‐resolution ultrasound (US) can identify the IH, II, and GF nerves at the level of the abdominal wall and the terminal branches in the majority of volunteers. <italic>Muscle Nerve</italic><bold>51</bold>: 42–48, 2015</p> </abstract>