Electrodiagnostic Studies and Ultrasound Cross-Sectional Area of the Median Nerve in Patients With Isolated Cervical Radiculopathy

PURPOSE: Although the literature has shown that the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the carpal tunnel on ultrasound is enlarged in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, it does not provide information regarding whether proximal nerve pathology, such as that seen in cervical radiculopathy, increases the CSA of the median nerve. METHODS: In this study, 15 patients were enrolled who had a clinical diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy but not carpal tunnel syndrome. All patients underwent electrodiagnostic studies and ultrasound measurement of the CSA of the median nerve. RESULTS: Increased median nerve CSA was seen in 1 of 15 patients (7%). Positive findings of cervical radiculopathy were found in 7 patients (47%) by electrodiagnostic studies. CONCLUSIONS: In patients clinically diagnosed with isolated cervical radiculopathy, the vast majority have normal median nerve CSA measured on ultrasound. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.