[Assessment of the muscles of the extremities with imaging procedures (CT and MR)].

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.