Assessment of the muscles of the extremities with imaging procedures (CT and MR)
Rodiek, S.O.
Handchirurgie Mikrochirurgie Plastische Chirurgie Organ der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Handchirurgie Organ der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie der Peripheren Nerven und Gefasse Organ der V. 19(3): 129-131
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0722-1819 PMID: 3596367 Document Number: 305137
Modern imaging techniques like CT-scanning and Magnetic Resonance imaging are advantageous for macroscopic evaluation of muscles in the extremities. By correct positioning of the patient the muscles of the arms can be scanned without artefact. Our experience is based on 160 CT and 47 MR cases. While healthy muscles reveal regular morphology, atrophic muscles become reduced in size as well as demonstrating complex structural alterations. The distribution pattern, type, and degree of atrophy can be accurately documented by both techniques. Furthermore, MR can clearly detect edema, hematoma, and myositis of muscles. Hence CT and MR may prove useful tools for preoperative assessment as well as a postoperative follow-up.