@bkruppa Nerve enteapment is notoriously hard to image. I never had imaging or "tests" to diagnose my problem. Doctors simply ruled out everything else and also used ultrasound guided peripheral nerve blocks to diagnose. This is a common method of diagnosing the problem of entrapped nerves. Everytime I got peripheral nerve blocks of the affected nerves (which I had done many times over 3 years of working towards a resolution to my pain, by many different and well known specialists), the pain went away 100% until the nerve block wore off. Once the nerve block wore off, the pain returned in full force. No other modality or conservative treatment ever removed my pain entirely like a nerve block.

There are some newer imaging techniques such as MRN (MR Neurography) that are not always covered by insurance and still also aren't entirely accurate - i.e. the imaging could show nothing and your wife could still have a nerve entrapment. Thus, I never did this type of imaging.

I do think you should pursue an EMG/NCS. Even if it is negative, you'll want to show a doctor you had the tests done, and please know the doctor you ultimately work with on the nerve entrapment issue may want to repeat some or many tests again at their own institution. Doctors tend to like tests from their own institution. However, to gather evidence and build your own case, go ahead and get the NCS/EMG now. Those who understand nerves know they aren't always accurate. Just do it to get in the door with a doctor in this field.

A diagnostic ultrasound guided nerve block is another test you need to have done. Interventional pain management doctors, who are often anesthesiologists, perform this. They may also want to do other tests prior to a nerve block, and just let them. Please, as you read this response, remember it took me 3-4 years to get as far as finding the right doctor to operate on my entrapment and for me (and my doctors) to believe I really did rule out all other possible conditions.

I'd find a good interventional pain management doctor at a large teaching hospital. Begin to work with them and know the first one may not be the one you need. Try to build rapport with one and go through all their tests. They will eventually get you to the right answer and right tests, but this all takes time.

You can also google search for nerve entrapment programs or mentions on academic hospital websites. The reason I suggest a larger practice is they are worth their weight in gold if you find a good doctor. I chose my surgeon because if the operation didnt help my pain, he would still help me, as would my pain doc, vs. leaving me high and dry after a failed surgery. It's good to have a team to support you and your wife through this.

Happy to help and answer any more questions. I'm here to help others not suffer for years like I have. There are great docs to help you, but know it will take time and also please get multiple opinions and rule out all else before surgery. I've tried all conservative measures and had so many tests. If helpful I can list them all out to you.