ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe the feasibility and accuracy of ultrasound-guided transforaminal epidural injection. Methods:Ultrasound-guided injection at L1-2, L2-3, L3-4, L4-5, L5-6 bilaterally was performed in L1-6 spine from two Bama miniature pigs. The position of needles was detected with X-ray and CT, and observed under anatomy. The distance from the puncturing points at skin to the posterior midline, the depths and angles of puncturing between were measured and compared bilaterally. Results:The successful rate was 95% (19/20), out of which, 80% (16/20) were put the needle tips at the lower part of the intervertebral foramen, ventral side, central region or paracentral region. There was no significant difference between sides in the distances, depths or angles in 19 successful injections. Conclusion:It is accurate to transforaminally puncture under ultrasound-guided.
ABSTRACT
Whiplash-associated disorders usually appear as symptoms of neck pain, headache, and limited cervical spine activities, etc. Its mechanism is complicated, which is related with the sudden acceleration-deceleration mechanism conducted to the cervical vertebral joint, ligaments, muscles and nerves. Recently, it was found that low capacity of cerebrospinal fluid, fibromyalgia, and injury of central nervous system are also associated with those symptoms. The focus of exercise on equal length contraction and endurance of neck deep muscles can significantly improve the symptoms of patients without neurological injury. Ultrasound can be used to dynamically detect deformation and deformation rate patterns of both deep and shallow muscle in the exercise group and the conservative observation group. It is suggested that exercise can improve muscle movement patterns and repair damaged neck muscles at the same time.