Journal article
Postoperative Imaging of Peripheral Nerves: Review of Surgical Techniques, Expected Findings, and Complications
Radiographics, Vol.46(6), e250143
06/2026
DOI: 10.1148/rg.250143
PMID: 42096343
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury is a complex condition that significantly impacts quality of life and often affects young and active individuals. Accurate classification of injury severity using the Sunderland grading system is essential for distinguishing cases amenable to conservative management from those that require surgical intervention. While lower-grade injuries are typically managed conservatively at first, persistent or severe symptoms frequently necessitate surgery. Surgical approaches vary depending on the underlying cause of the nerve injury, including compressive neuropathies, trauma, and neoplastic lesions, and may involve nerve decompression, transposition, neurolysis, nerve repair techniques, and tumor resection. Imaging evaluation with high-frequency US and MRI is fundamental for postoperative peripheral nerve assessment, allowing direct nerve visualization, evaluation of the surgical site and persistent signs of nerve injury, identification of secondary changes such as muscle denervation, and differentiation between the expected postoperative findings and complications. These complications include perineural fibrosis, neuroma formation, incomplete decompression, nerve graft failure, and surgical site collections. It is crucial for radiologists to understand the spectrum of normal postoperative changes and recognize abnormal findings to avoid misinterpretation, optimize patient care, and guide clinical decision making after peripheral nerve surgery. The authors aim to provide a comprehensive review of the main peripheral nerve surgical procedures, with a focus on the surgical techniques, expected postoperative imaging appearances, and spectrum of potential complications.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Postoperative Imaging of Peripheral Nerves: Review of Surgical Techniques, Expected Findings, and Complications
- Creators
- Thais Sayuri Kuwazuru - Hospital Sírio-LibanêsRenata Fernandes Batista Pereira - Hospital Sírio-LibanêsVitor Dornfeld Bichuette - Hospital Sírio-LibanêsRaul Omena Martins - Hospital Sírio-LibanêsRoberto Sergio Martins - Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São PauloEduardo Luis Bizetto - Hospital Sírio-LibanêsMarcos Felippe de Paula Correa - Hospital Sírio-LibanêsGabriela Ribeiro Camerin - Hospital Sírio-LibanêsRenato A Sernik - Hospital Sírio-LibanêsAtul Kumar Taneja - Baptist Health South FloridaRenata Vidal Leão - Department of Radiology, Musculoskeletal Division, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Radiographics, Vol.46(6), e250143
- DOI
- 10.1148/rg.250143
- PMID
- 42096343
- ISSN
- 1527-1323
- eISSN
- 1527-1323
- Publisher
- Radiological Society of North America
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 06/2026
- Academic Unit
- Radiology
- Record Identifier
- 9985161341002771
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