The median nerve is a crucial peripheral nerve originating from the brachial plexus, innervating muscles in the forearm and hand responsible for pronation, wrist flexion, and thumb opposition. It also provides sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and radial half of the ring fingers. In medical contexts, its assessment is vital for diagnosing conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, where compression leads to pain, numbness, and weakness.
Ultrasound is increasingly used to visualize the median nerve, aiding in the diagnosis and guidance of injections for nerve entrapment. High-resolution ultrasound allows for precise identification of nerve swelling or compression, offering a non-invasive tool for evaluating nerve health and guiding therapeutic interventions. Understanding median nerve anatomy and pathology is essential for accurate neurological and musculoskeletal diagnoses.
