Reliability of ultrasonography to measure cervical multifidus, semispinalis cervicis and longus colli muscles dimensions in patients with unilateral cervical disc herniation: An observational cross-sectional test-retest study.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography (US) has been suggested to assess the morphology and function of cervical muscles; but little is known about the reliability of the US measures in patients with cervical disc herniation (CDH). The purpose of this study was to evaluate within-day inter and intra-rater and between-day intra-rater reliability of US to measure dimensions of deep cervical muscles in patients with unilateral CDH. METHODS: Thirty patients with unilateral CDH participated. Anterior-posterior and lateral dimension of longus colli (LC), multifidus (MF) and semispinalis cervicis (SC) were measured using B-mode ultrasound. The measurements were repeated by rater A 1 h (for within-day reliability) and one week (for between-day reliability) later. For inter-rater reliability, rater B performed all muscles measurements like rater A. RESULTS: Within-day reliability measurement for all muscles was good to excellent with IntraClass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) ranging from 0.82 to 0.96, standard error of measurement (SEM) from 0.18 to 0.46 and minimal detectable changes (MDC) from 0.43 to 1.09. Between-day reliability was good for all muscle dimensions with ICC ranging from 0.75 to 0.89, SEM from 0.30 to 0.64 and MDC from 0.71 to 1.52. Inter-rater reliability was also good with ICC ranging from 0.75 to 0.89, SEM from 0.34 to 0.65 and MDC from 0.81 to 1.55. CONCLUSIONS: US was demonstrated to have high within-day inter and intra-rater and between-day intra-rater reliability to measure muscles dimensions in patients with unilateral CDH. It can be used to assess deep cervical muscles or to monitor the effects of interventions.

Thoracolumbar fascia mobility and chronic low back pain: Phase 1 of a pilot and feasibility study assessing repeated measures and the influence of paraspinal muscle contraction.

BACKGROUND: Differential movement, or shear strain (SS), between layers of thoracolumbar fascia is reduced with chronic low back pain. To provide a foundation for clinical research involving SS, this study assessed temporal stability and the effect of paraspinal muscle contraction on SS in persons with chronic low back pain. METHODS: We used ultrasound imaging to measure SS in adults self-reporting low back pain ≥1 year. Images were obtained by placing a transducer 2-3 cm lateral to L2-3 with participants lying prone and relaxed on a table moving the lower extremities downward 15°, for 5 cycles at 0.5 Hz. To assess paraspinal muscle contraction effects, participants raised the head slightly from the table. SS was calculated using 2 computational methods. Method 1 averaged the maximum SS from each side during the third cycle. Method 2 used the maximum SS from any cycle (2-4) on each side, prior to averaging. SS was also assessed after a 4-week no manual therapy period. RESULTS: Of 30 participants (n = 14 female), mean age was 40 years; mean BMI 30.1. Mean (SE) SS in females with paraspinal muscle contraction was 66% (7.4) (method 1) and 78% (7.8) (method 2); 54% (6.9) (method 1) and 67% (7.3) (method 2) in males. With muscles relaxed, mean SS in females was 77% (7.6) (method 1) or 87% (6.8) (method 2); 63% (7.1) (method 1) and 78% (6.4) (method 2) in males. Mean SS decreased 8-13% in females and 7-13% in males after 4-weeks CONCLUSION: Mean SS in females was higher than males at each timepoint. Paraspinal muscle contraction temporarily reduced SS. Over a 4-week no-treatment period, mean SS (with paraspinal muscles relaxed) decreased. Methods less likely to induce muscle guarding and enabling assessment with broader populations are needed.

Effect of Motor Control Training on Trunk Muscle Morphometry, Pain, and Disability in People With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to study the effects of motor control training (MCT) on trunk muscle morphometry measured by ultrasound imaging and pain and disability in individuals with chronic low back pain. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from study inception until January 2021. Randomized control trials evaluating both muscle morphometry and pain or disability in individuals with chronic low back pain were included. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by 2 reviewers independently. Modified Downs and Black tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach were used to assess the risk of bias and quality of evidence, respectively. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model with mean difference or standardized mean difference (SMD). RESULTS: Of 3459 studies initially identified, 15 studies were included, and 13 studies were selected for meta-analysis. The results revealed no differences in the resting thickness of the transversus abdominis, internal and external oblique, and lumbar multifidus muscles in studies that compared MCT with other interventions. The transversus abdominis muscles contraction ratio was greater (SMD = 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.0 to 1.85) and lower pain (weighted mean difference: -1.07 cm; 95% CI, -1.91 to -0.22 cm; P = .01) and disability (SMD = -0.86; 95% CI, -1.42 to -0. 29; P < .01) scores were found in the groups who underwent MCT compared with other interventions. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that motor control exercise training increased the transverse abdominis contraction ratio (muscle activation) and improved the level of pain and disability compared to other interventions in people with chronic low back pain. However, motor control exercise training was not superior to other interventions in increasing the resting thickness of deep abdominal and lumbar multifidus muscles in intervention times less than 12 weeks.

Validity and reliability of dry needle placement in the deep lumbar multifidus muscle using ultrasound imaging: an in-vivo study.

OBJECTIVES: To use ultrasound (US) imaging to determine the validity and reliability of needle placement of two dry needling (DN) protocols for the lumbar multifidus (LM) in individuals with a high body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Twenty-one participants with a BMI higher than 25 kg/m2 completed the study. A US scanner was used to determine the location of needle placement after a 100 mm long needle was inserted in the LM at L4 and L5 following two DN protocols for the deep LM muscle. US images were saved and viewed 6 months later to determine the intra-tester reliability. RESULTS: The probability of reaching the deep LM muscle was high (85-95%) at L4 and L5. Although the needle reached a bony landmark 85-100% of the time, it only reached the vertebra lamina as intended 70-75% of the time. The intra-tester reliability of needle placements based on analysis of real-time and recorded US images was poor-to-moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Although the bony drop may not indicate that the needle has reached the vertebra lamina as the protocol intended, reaching a bony drop is still meaningful as it coincided with reaching the LM in the majority of participants.

Effectiveness of lumbar stabilization exercise with real-time ultrasound imaging biofeedback on lumbar multifidus muscle cross-sectional area in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Structural impairment of the lumbar multifidus muscle, such as reduced cross-sectional area, is evident among individuals with chronic low back pain. Real-time ultrasound imaging (RUSI) biofeedback has been reported to improve preferential activation of as well as retention in the ability to activate the lumbar multifidus muscle during lumbar stabilization exercises (LSE). However, evidence of the effectiveness of this treatment approach in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) is still limited. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to determine the effectiveness of LSE with RUSI biofeedback on lumbar multifidus muscle cross-sectional area in individuals with NCLBP. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a prospective, single-center, assessor-blind, three-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial to be conducted at National Orthopedic Hospital, Kano State, Nigeria. Ninety individuals with NCLBP will be randomized in a 1:1:1: ratio to receive LSE, LSE with RUSI biofeedback, or minimal intervention. All participants will receive treatment twice weekly for 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be the lumbar multifidus muscle cross-sectional area. The secondary outcomes will include pain (Numerical Pain Rating Scale), functional disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire), and quality of life (12-Item Short-Form Health Survey). All outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 8 weeks post-intervention,  and 3 months follow-up. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this study will be the first powered randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of LSE training with and without RUSI biofeedback in individuals with NCLBP. The outcome of the study may provide evidence for the effectiveness of LSE with RUSI biofeedback on enhancing the recovery of the lumbar multifidus muscle in individuals with NCLBP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry ( PACTR201801002980602) . Registered on January 16, 2018.

Effect of dry needling on lumbar muscle stiffness in patients with low back pain: A double blind, randomized controlled trial using shear wave elastography.

BACKGROUND: Dry needling treatment focuses on restoring normal muscle function in patients with musculoskeletal pain; however, little research has investigated this assertion. Shear wave elastography (SWE) allows quantification of individual muscle function by estimating both resting and contracted muscle stiffness. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of dry needling to sham dry needling on lumbar muscle stiffness in individuals with low back pain (LBP) using SWE. METHODS: Sixty participants with LBP were randomly allocated to receive one session of dry needling or sham dry needling treatment to the lumbar multifidus and erector spinae muscles on the most painful side and spinal level. Stiffness (shear modulus) of the lumbar multifidus and erector spinae muscles was assessed using SWE at rest and during submaximal contraction before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 1 week later. Treatment effects were estimated using linear mixed models. RESULTS: After 1 week, resting erector spinae muscle stiffness was lower in individuals who received dry needling than those that received sham dry needling. All other between-groups differences in muscle stiffness were similar, but non-significant. CONCLUSION: Dry needling appears to reduce resting erector spinae muscle following treatment of patients with LBP. Therefore, providers should consider the use of dry needling when patients exhibit aberrant stiffness of the lumbar muscles.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on the multifidus muscle in patients with lumbar disc herniation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on lumbar dysfunction and multifidus muscle characteristics in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). METHODS: Sixty patients with LDH were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with symptomatic treatment. On the basis of the treatment of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with acupuncture at L3-S1 Jiaji (Ex-B 2) and Dachangshu (BL 25), and the ipsilateral L3 and L5 Jiaji point were connected with EA (continuous wave, frequency of 20 Hz, and the intensity was appropriate to the patient's tolerance). The needles were retained for 20 min, once every other day, and 10 times were taken as a course of treatment. A total of 2 courses of treatment was given. The modified Oswestry disability index (ODI) as well as the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) of the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Lumbar MRI was performed before and after treatment to measure the cross-sectional area (CSA), fatty infiltration (FI) and T2 values of multifidus muscle at the lower edge of L4 and L5 vertebral bodies. RESULTS: After treatment, the ODI, PCS and MCS socres in the two groups were improved compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the ODI and PCS socres in the observation group were better than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the FI and value of T2 in the observation group were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA could improve lumbar dysfunction, relieve edema and fatty infiltration of multifidus muscle in patients with LDH.

Effect of Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides on Stiffness of Lumbar Stabilizer Muscles in Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of Mulligan sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGs) on muscular stiffness by using ultrasound shear wave elastography, pain, and function in patients with nonspecific low back pain. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded study, 30 participants with nonspecific low back pain were randomly divided into 2 groups: a real SNAG group (aged 21.0 ± 1.7, 5 men, 10 women) and sham SNAG group (aged 20.4 ± 0.5, 4 men, 11 women). Muscular stiffness of the multifidus and erector spinal muscles with ultrasound shear wave elastography, visual analog scale, the sit and reach, flamingo balance, the functional reach, side bridge, and Biering-Sorensen tests were made before and immediately after intervention. The Oswestry Disability Index score was recorded only baseline. RESULTS: After intervention, the change in visual analog scale, sit and reach, Biering-Sorensen, and side bridge tests scores were significantly different between real SNAG and sham SNAG groups (P < .05), but there was no significant difference in functional reach and flamingo balance test scores between the groups (P > .05). There was no significant difference for all measurements between pre- and post-intervention in sham SNAG group (P > .05). There was a significant reduction in muscular stiffness in the real SNAG group. But there was no change in muscular stiffness between pre- and postintervention in the sham group (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the Mulligan SNAG technique had a positive effect on pain severity, flexibility, trunk muscle endurance, and muscle stiffness in patients with nonspecific LBP.

Structural remodeling of the lumbar multifidus, thoracolumbar fascia and lateral abdominal wall perimuscular connective tissues: Medium-term test-retest reliability of ultrasound measures.

INTRODUCTION: Growing interest is being paid to the lumbar multifidus (LM) intramuscular fatty infiltrations and fibrosis that are secondary to low back pain as well to the remodeling of perimuscular connective tissues (fasciae) such as the thoracolumbar fascia and fascia sheets separating the abdominal wall muscles. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography have traditionally been used but rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) is much more affordable and practical, which can accelerate research and clinical applications on this topic. The aim of this study was to test the medium-term (8 weeks) test-retest reliability of the corresponding RUSI measures. METHODS: Thirty-four participants with non-acute LBP and 30 healthy controls performed a RUSI assessment before and after an 8-week time interval. LM echogenicity was quantified to assess fatty infiltrations and fibrosis while fasciae were quantified with thickness measures. Relative and absolute reliability were estimated using the generalizability theory as a framework, allowing to partition the different sources of error. RESULTS: Overall, the reliability findings were quite acceptable, with negligible systematic effects. Excellent relative reliability was reached in half of the investigated RUSI measures, particularly when averaging measures across trials. However, neither relative, nor absolute reliability results support the use of these RUSI measurements on an individual basis (e.g. clinical applications) but they are useful on a group basis (e.g. research applications). DISCUSSION: The different sources of error were distributed unequally across RUSI measures, pointing to different measurement strategies to mitigate the underlying errors. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the generalizability theory allowed identifying the sources of error of the different RUSI measures. For each category of measure, depending of the distribution of errors, it was possible to recommend specific measurement strategies to mitigate them.

Reliability of B-mode ultrasonography to measure lumbar multifidus muscle dimensions in patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate Ultrasound Imaging (USI) reliability for measurement of lumbar multifidus (LMF) muscle thickness and cross sectional area (CSA) at rest and during contraction in patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation. SETTING: Laboratory. DESIGN: Reliability Study. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty patients, aged 25-50 years (37.55 ±â€¯9.55), with unilateral L4-L5 lumbar disc herniation participated in this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Thickness and CSA of LMF were measured using B-mode ultrasound by two raters in prone position. RESULTS: Same day and multiple day inter-rater and same day intra-rater reliability showed good to excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.70 to 0.91). Also standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change for USI reliabilities ranged from 0.06 to 0.57 and 0.16 to 1.31, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Reliability of USI for measurements of LMF muscle thickness and CSA was high, and consistent with previous studies conducted on reliability of USI to measure LMF dimensions in other populations.

Reliability of ultrasound measurement of the lateral abdominal and lumbar multifidus muscles in individuals with chronic low back pain: A cross-sectional test-retest study.

OBJECTIVES: Ultrasound (US) imaging has been suggested to evaluate the morphology and function of trunk muscles; however, little is known about the reliability of the US measures in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study aimed to evaluate intrarater reliability of US imaging of the lateral abdominal and lumbar multifidus muscles in individuals with nonspecific CLBP. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, intrarater within-day and between-day reliability of US measurements of the transversus abdominis, internal oblique, external oblique and lumbar multifidus (at the L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 levels) muscles were obtained on both sides. The resting and contracted thickness and contraction ratio of each muscle were measured in 21 individuals with nonspecific CLBP. RESULTS: All US measurements of the lateral abdominal and lumbar multifidus muscles demonstrated good to excellent within-day (Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs: 0.80-0.98) and between-day (ICCs: 0.80-0.97) reliability. The standard error of the measurement (SEMs) and minimal detectable change (MDCs) of the lateral abdominal muscles on both sides ranged 0.5-1.6 mm and 0.4-4.4 mm, respectively. The SEMs and MDCs of the LM muscles on both sides ranged 1.1-2.7 mm and 2.86-7.49 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that US imaging has good to high intrarater within- and between-day reliability for assessing absolute thickness and contraction ratio of the trunk muscles on both right and left sides in patients with nonspecific CLBP. The vertical alignment of the US transducer is a reliable method for assessing the lateral abdominal muscles.

Study on the cross-sectional area of the multifidus muscle at the L4-L5 level on ultrasound images of Olympic-style weightlifting and judo athletes.

BACKGROUND: The multifidus muscle is located near the spine and controls the erection of the spine and stabilization during movements of the spine and extremities, and assists in all other spinal movements. Differences in paraspinal muscles between sides and levels, particularly in he multifidus, have been proposed as possible indicators of low back pain or spinal pathology. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the cross-sectional area of the lumbar multifidus muscle at L4-L5 vertebral levels on ultrasound images of athletes in Olympic-style weightlifting, judo athletes and sedentary individuals. METHODS: This study included asymptomatic male athletes (athletes in Olympic-style weightlifting, n= 17, age: 19.24 ± 1.88, judo athletes, n= 17, age: 19.18 ± 1.23) and sedentary individuals (n= 17, age: 19.88 ± 1.31). The cross-sectional area of lumbar multifidus muscles was assessed bilaterally at the L4-L5 segments level in prone and using ultrasound imaging. RESULTS: Lumbar multifidus muscle cross-sectional areas of athletes in Olympic-style weightlifting and judo athletes were larger than those of sedentary individuals (p< 0.004). No asymmetric development was observed in cross-sectional areas of right-left lumbar multifidus muscle at L4-L5 levels of athletes in Olympic-style weightlifting and sedentary individuals (p> 0.008). The cross-sectional areas of the right and left lumbar multifidus muscle at L5 segment of individuals in judo athletes was found to be asymmetrical (p< 0.008). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the cross-sectional areas of athletes in Olympic-style weightlifting and judo athletes are larger than that of sedentary individuals. The difference in the cross-sectional area of the lumbar multifidus muscle of athlete and sedentary groups might be said to result from hypertrophic effect of trainings of these athletes on the cross-sectional area of the lumbar multifidus muscle.

Structural remodelling of the lumbar multifidus, thoracolumbar fascia and lateral abdominal wall perimuscular connective tissues: A cross-sectional and comparative ultrasound study.

INTRODUCTION: With low back pain (LBP), remodelling of the lumbar soft tissues involves both trunk muscles and neighbouring passive connective tissues. The aim of the present study was to compare three quantitative measures of these tissues, using ultrasound imaging (USI), among healthy controls and individuals with LBP. METHODS: USI measures from 30 healthy subjects and 34 patients with non-acute LBP were compared between groups and sexes. The measures employed were (1) lumbar multifidus echogenicity (fatty/fibrosis infiltration) at three vertebral levels; (2) posterior layer thickness of the thoracolumbar fascia, and (3) thickness of the perimuscular tissues surrounding the external oblique, internal oblique and transversus abdominis (TrA). RESULTS: USI measures of (1) multifidus echogenicity showed statistically significant changes between vertebral levels and sexes (females > males; p = 0.02); (2) differences in thoracolumbar fascia thickness approached statistical significance between groups (LBP > controls; p = 0.09) and sexes (females < males; p = 0.07); and (3) perimuscular tissue surrounding the TrA was significantly thinner (p ≤ 0.001) in patients with LBP compared to controls. DISCUSSION: The thinner perimuscular tissues surrounding the TrA in patients with LBP is a new finding, concurring with previous findings with regard to the lower activation of this deep muscle as well as more recent findings on other perimuscular tissue. CONCLUSION: Overall, USI measures were sensitive to different potential changes (pain status, sex, vertebral level), and this is useful in studying the remodelling of various soft tissues of the trunk.

Asymmetry of Cervical Multifidus and Longus Colli Muscles Size in Participants With and Without Cervical Radicular Pain.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the asymmetry of cervical multifidus (MF) and longus colli (LC) muscles in patients with unilateral chronic radicular neck pain (CRNP) and healthy subjects using ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety five individuals (50 patients with unilateral CRNP and 45 healthy subjects) participated in this study. The size of the cervical MF and LC muscles; anterior posterior dimension (APD) and lateral dimension (LD); were bilaterally measured in a relaxed state using ultrasonography. RESULTS: Patients with CRNP showed greater asymmetry in the cervical MF and LC muscles size than the healthy subjects. The mean percentages differences between sides for MF and LC muscles size was higher in patients than that of healthy subjects (for both APD and LD; P<0.05). The ratio of smaller to larger dimensions of the cervical MF and LC muscles for patients were significantly less than that of healthy controls (for both APD and LD; P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that cervical MF and LC muscles showed higher asymmetry between sides and lesser ratio of smaller size to larger size in patients with CRNP as compared with healthy subjects. Current results confirmed the presence of MF and LC muscles atrophy in subjects with CRNP.

Does Plantar Pressure Distribution Influence the Lumbar Multifidus Muscle Thickness in Asymptomatic Individuals? A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Atrophy can occur in the lumbar multifidus (LM) muscle quickly as a result of various musculoskeletal problems. Knowing factors influencing muscle thickness of the LM will provide important clues about lumbopelvic stability. OBJECTIVES: Although there are several studies in the literature investigating the adverse effects of foot-ankle postural disorders on the lumbopelvic region, to our knowledge there has been no investigation of plantar pressure distribution (PPD) as a factor influencing muscle thickness of the LM. The aim of this study was to determine whether PPD could affect LM muscle thickness. METHODS: This observational study consisted of 25 asymptomatic individuals. Ultrasonographic imaging was used to determine the thickness of the LM. All participants were subjected to PPD analysis using the Digital Biometry Scanning System and Milletrix software in 9 different plantar pressure zones. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were used to examine the correlations between the LM muscle thickness and other variables. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the variables with the greatest influence on LM muscle thickness. RESULTS: Peak pressures of medial and lateral zones of the heel were the significant and independent factors influencing static LM thickness, with 39.5% of the variance; moreover, the peak pressures of heel medial and fourth metatarsal bone were the significant and independent factors influencing dynamic LM thickness, with 38.7% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS: Plantar pressure distribution could be an important factor influencing LM thickness, although further research is required. Examining foot-ankle biomechanics may provide information about the stability of the LM.

Randomized control trial of ultrasound-guided erector spinae block versus shoulder periarticular anesthetic infiltration for pain control after arthroscopic shoulder surgery: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT compliant).

INTRODUCTION: Moderate to severe postoperative pain and associated opioid use may interfere with patients' well-being and course of recovery. Regional anesthetic techniques provide an opportunity for opioid sparing and improved patient outcomes. A new regional technique called the erector spinae plane (ESP) block has the potential to provide effective analgesia after shoulder arthroscopy with minimal risks and decreased opioid consumption. Our primary objective is to determine whether, in patients who undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery, a preoperative ESP block reduces pain scores as compared to periarticular infiltration at the end of surgery. Additionally, we will also examine other factors such as opioid consumption, sensory block, adverse events, patient satisfaction, and persistent pain. METHODS: This is a 2-arm, single-center, parallel-design, double-blind randomized controlled trial of 60 patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Eligible patients will be recruited in the preoperative clinic. Using a computer-generated randomization, with a 1:1 allocation ratio, patients will be randomized to either the ESP or periarticular infiltration group. Patients will be followed in hospital in the postanesthesia care unit, at 24 hours, and at 1 month. The study with be analyzed as intention-to-treat. DISCUSSION: This study will inform an evidence-based choice in recommending ESP block for shoulder arthroscopy, as well as providing safety data. The merits of the study include its double dummy blinding to minimize observer bias, and its assessment of patient important outcomes, including pain scores, opioid consumption, and patient satisfaction. This study will also help provide an estimate of the incidence of side effects and complications of the ESP block. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03691922; Recruited Date of registration: October 2, 2018.

Ultrasound Imaging of the Paraspinal Muscles for Interscapular Pain After Back Massage.

Muscle injuries are very common in sports medicine, but involvement of the paraspinal muscles is relatively rare. The diagnosis is usually clinical, but diagnostic imaging modalities (ie, ultrasound and magnetic resonance) identify, in detail, the anatomical site and extension of the lesion helping the physician plan a specific rehabilitation program. Likewise, the authors present an unusual case of a amateur volleyball player who suffered injury of the paraspinal muscles after a session of manual therapy with deep massage. The authors also highlight the potential role of ultrasound imaging in detecting muscle injuries not only in the limbs but also at the level of paraspinal region for prompt management and return to play.

Cadaveric and ultrasonographic validation of needling placement in the obliquus capitis inferior muscle.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that suboccipital musculature plays an important role in headache. Proper therapeutic approaches targeting this muscle are needed. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine with fresh cadavers and ultrasound imaging if a solid needle is able to properly penetrate the obliquus capitis inferior muscle during the application of dry needling. DESIGN: A cadaveric and human descriptive study. METHODS: Needling insertion and ultrasound imaging of the obliquus capitis inferior muscle was conducted on 10 pain-free healthy subjects and 5 fresh cadavers. Needling insertion was performed using a 40 mm needle inserted midway between the spinous process of C2 and transverse process of C1. The needle was advanced from a posterior to anterior direction into the obliquus capitis inferior muscle with an inferior-lateral angle to reach the lamina of C2. For the cadaveric study, the obliquus capitis inferior placement was verified by resecting the superficial upper trapezius, splenius capitis, and semispinalis capitis muscles. For ultrasographic study, a linear transducer was aligned with the long axis of the obliquus capitis inferior muscle after needle insertion. RESULTS: Both the cadaveric and ultrasonic studies showed that the needle penetrated the obliquus capitis inferior muscle during its insertion and that the tip of the needle rested against C2 laminae, thereby reaching the targeted muscle. CONCLUSION: This anatomical and ultrasound imaging study supports the assertion that needling insertion of the obliquus capitis inferior muscle can be properly conducted by an experienced clinician.