Sural nerve: imaging anatomy and pathology

Logan Joseph Jackson, Muhamad Serhal, Imran M. Omar, Ankur Garg, Julia Michalek, Ali Serhal*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

High resolution ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) neurography are both imaging modalities that are commonly used for assessing peripheral nerves including the sural nerve (SN). The SN is a cutaneous sensory nerve which innervates the lateral ankle and foot to the base of the fifth metatarsal. It is formed by contributing nerves from the tibial and common peroneal nerves with six patterns and multiple subtypes described in literature. In addition to the SN being a cutaneous sensory nerve, the superficial location enables the nerve to be easily biopsied and harvested for a nerve graft, as well as increasing the susceptibility to traumatic injury. As with any peripheral nerves, pathologies such as peripheral nerve sheath tumors and neuropathies can also affect the SN. By utilizing a high frequency probe in US and high-resolution MR neurography, the SN can be easily identified even with the multiple variations given the standard distal course. US and MRI are also useful in determining pathology of the SN given the specific image findings that are seen with peripheral nerves. In this review, we evaluate the normal imaging anatomy of the SN and discuss common pathologies identified on imaging.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number20220336
JournalBritish Journal of Radiology
Volume96
Issue number1141
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2023

Funding

This research was supported (in whole or in part) by McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. The views expressed in this publication represent those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University or any of its affiliated entities.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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