Oxyneurography: A new technique for the measurement of nerve oxygenation

✍ Scribed by Joe F. Jabre; Giovanna M. Squintani; Kenneth K.H. Chui

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2011
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 335 KB
• Volume: 45
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0148-639X
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.22251

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Introduction:

Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non‐invasive technique used to measure tissue oxygenation. In this study we describe oxyneurography (ONG), a novel application of the NIRS technique in non‐invasive surface measurement of oxygenation in ulnar nerve.

Methods:

NIRS sensors were applied directly over the ulnar epicondylar groove to measure the ulnar nerve ONG index, a ratio of oxygenated over total hemoglobin content. Ulnar motor conduction studies were obtained in all subjects.

Results:

The ONG index and ulnar motor conduction had a positive linear association. Ulnar motor conduction could be linearly predicted by the ONG index. The ONG index showed a sensitivity of 1.0 and a specificity of 0.852 for the presence of an ulnar neuropathy symptom. During limb ischemia, the ONG index gradually decreased.

Conclusions:

Oxyneurography can lead to the early detection of a compromise in a nerve's oxygenation status leading to neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 45:75–80, 2012