Wartenberg’s Syndrome: A Case of Ultrasound Revealing a Diagnosis Missed by Electromyography With Hydrodissection Offering Pain Relief and Functional Recovery

Abstract

Wartenberg's syndrome, an entrapment neuropathy of the superficial radial nerve, frequently presents significant diagnostic challenges, often with normal electroneuromyography findings despite debilitating clinical symptoms. This case report details a patient experiencing severe post-traumatic neuropathic pain highly consistent with Wartenberg's syndrome. High-resolution ultrasound proved pivotal in revealing focal nerve enlargement and confirming the diagnosis, which was missed by conventional electroneuromyography. Subsequent ultrasound-guided hydrodissection led to substantial and sustained pain relief and functional recovery. This case underscores the indispensable role of high-resolution ultrasound in diagnosing Wartenberg's syndrome when traditional electrophysiological studies are inconclusive and demonstrates the effectiveness of hydrodissection as a minimally invasive therapeutic solution for managing this challenging neuropathic pain.