La Radiologia medica
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La Radiologia medica · Nov 1993
[Ultrasonographic evaluation of the sciatic nerve and thigh trauma].
This study was aimed at studying the normal morphology of the main extrapelvic trunk of the sciatic nerve, its average size and its anatomo-topographic relationships by means of high resolution US. The involvement of the sciatic nerve in traumas was also investigated. The lower gluteal region and the posterior aspect of both thighs were examined in 30 healthy subjects and in 11 patients with recent or previous traumas. ⋯ In 2 osteomyelitis cases with a posterior thigh fistula, US showed sciatic nerve involvement by the phlogistic process. Moreover, US allowed an old thick thrombosis of a satellite vein of the sciatic nerve to be depicted. In conclusion, the present study has demonstrated that US not only clearly depicts the sciatic nerve but also provides accurate information on its involvement in recent or previous traumas.