Ultrasound Imaging of Cutaneous Innervations of the Lower Extremity

Ultrasound (US) is commonly used to evaluate the cutaneous innervation of the lower extremity, owing to the following advantages: (1) US is a high-resolution soft tissue imaging modality; (2) it is feasible in patients who are deemed unsuitable to undergo magnetic resonance imaging; and (3) it enables dynamic and real-time imaging. The evaluation of cutaneous nerves requires accurate knowledge of the anatomy as well as technical details. We present a review of the US anatomy of the cutaneous nerves in the lower extremity in addition to a description of a few pathologic conditions.