Comparison between laryngeal handshake and palpation techniques in the identification of cricothyroid membrane: a meta-analysis.

Because the use of conventional digital palpation technique for the identification of cricothyroid membrane (CTM) has been widely believed to be unreliable, the 'laryngeal handshake' technique (LH) has been introduced for CTM identification in the event of cricothyroidotomy. To provide evidence for clinical practice, this pilot meta-analysis aimed at investigating whether identification of CTM with the LH is superior to that with the palpation technique. Studies that evaluated the accuracy of CTM identification by using LH or palpation techniques (i.e., LH group vs. Palpation group) were identified from electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Medline, google scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to July 5, 2020. The primary outcome was the accuracy of both techniques. Four studies published from 2018 to 2020 were considered relevant and were read in full. We found no significant difference in success rate of CTM identification [Risk Ratio (RR) 1.09, 95% CI 0.89-1.34, p = 0.41] between the two groups. These preliminary results of the current study demonstrated no significant differences in success rate between the laryngeal handshake and conventional palpation techniques in cricothyroid membrane identification.

Accuracy of Palpation to Identify the Medial Branch of the Medial Dorsal Cutaneous Nerve in Medial Column Surgery: Correlation of Preoperative Nerve Marking With Intraoperative Findings During Lapidus Fusion.

The medial branch of the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve is frequently encountered in medial column surgery. Postoperative sensory nerve symptoms can lead to dissatisfaction and suboptimal outcome. The purpose of this case series is to correlate intraoperative nerve location on direct viewing with preoperative nerve localization to assess the accuracy of a specific nerve palpation technique. Hundred consecutive patients undergoing elective Lapidus fusion were prospectively evaluated. Preoperative nerve localization and intraoperative comparison was performed along with assessment of nerve position in relation to the cuneiform and first tarsometatarsal joint. Preoperative nerve identification correlated with intraoperative findings in 99 of 100 consecutive cases. In 1 of 100 cases, the palpated nerve was proximal to the zone of dissection and was not visualized. The medial branch of the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve crossed the dorsal Lapidus incision at the medial cuneiform or first metatarsal base level in 95 of 100 cases; at the mid metatarsal level in 2 of 100 cases; and proximal to the medial cuneiform in 3 of 100 cases.

Preprocedure ultrasound imaging combined with palpation technique in epidural labor analgesia.

BACKGROUND: For parturients with paroxysmal uterine contraction pain, rapid analgesia is needed. We used preprocedure ultrasound imaging combined with the palpation technique in epidural analgesia for labor, and evaluated the usefulness of this technique in epidural labor analgesia. AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of preprocedure ultrasound imaging in epidural analgesia for labor. METHODS: In this prospective randomized observational study, 72 parturients were assigned to two groups (combined or palpation group). The target interspace of all parturients was first identified by the palpation technique. Then in the combined group, preprocedure ultrasound imaging was used before epidural puncture. In the palpation group, only the traditional anatomical landmarks technique (palpation technique) was performed. The primary outcome was total duration of the epidural procedure (for the ultrasound group, the duration of the preprocedure ultrasound imaging was included). The secondary outcomes were the number of skin punctures, the success rate at first needle pass, the number of needle passes, the depth from the skin to epidural space, and the complications of the procedure. RESULTS: Total duration of the epidural procedure was similar between the two groups (406.5 ± 92.15 s in the combined group and 380.03 ± 128.2 s in the palpation group; P = 0.318). A significant improvement was demonstrated for epidural puncture and catheterization in the combined group. The number of needle passes was 1.14 in the combined group and 1.72 in the palpation group (P = 0.001). The number of skin puncture sites was 1.20 in the combined group and 1.25 in the palpation group (P = 0.398). The success rate at first needle pass was 88.89% in the combined group and 66.67% in the palpation group (P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the total duration of epidural procedures with preprocedure ultrasound imaging combined with the palpation technique was not longer than the traditional anatomical landmarks technique, which were performed by six experienced anesthesiologists in parturients with normal weights undergoing labor analgesia.

Comparison of ultrasound-guided versus conventional palpatory method of dorsalis pedis artery cannulation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Whether use of ultrasound (USG) to cannulate dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) increases first pass successful cannulation, decreases the number of attempts and complications as compared to palpation technique was assessed in this study. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Operating room. PATIENTS: About 60 adult patients undergoing any head-neck or faciomaxillary surgery requiring arterial cannulation were enrolled. INTERVENTION: DPA was cannulated either by USG-guided technique (USG group) or by palpation technique (palpation group) with 30 patients in each group. MEASUREMENT: Data were assessed for "first-attempt success" of cannulation, number of attempts, assessment time, cannulation time, cannulation failure, and incidence of complications. MAIN RESULTS: Successful first pass DPA cannulation was similar between the groups (ultrasound group vs. palpation group, 76.7% vs. 60%, respectively) [relative risk (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.69 (0.43, 1.13), P = 0.267)] as was the number of attempts required for successful cannulation [median (interquartile range (IQR) number of attempts 1 (1-2) in palpation group P and USG group U 1 (1-1); P = 0.376]. Median (IQR) assessment time was significantly less (P < 0.0004) in palpation group [palpation group 12 (9-17) vs. USG group U 19 (15-21)]. However, cannulation time was significantly higher (P = 0.0093) in Group P [median (IQR) 17.5 (12-36 s) and 11.5 (9-15)]. Although the total procedure time (sum of both assessment time and cannulation time) remain statistically similar between two groups (P = 0.8882). CONCLUSIONS: Use of USG for the cannulation of DPA is feasible, but it is not associated with significant increase in first-attempt success rate, decrease in total number of cannulation attempts or total procedure time.

Identification of the location of the A1 pulley combining palpation technique with palm landmarks and percutaneous release of A1 pulley with a 19-gauge needle: A cadaveric study.

The aims of this study were to identify the location of the A1 pulley combining palpation technique with superficial palm landmarks and to determine the efficacy and safety of A1 pulley percutaneous release with a 19-gauge needle. Fourteen fresh frozen cadaveric specimens were used: 56 fingers and 14 thumbs. The location of the A1 pulley was based on anatomical landmarks and was identified in all digits. Complete release of the A1 pulley occurred in 60 of the 70 digits (85.7%). The length of the A1 pulley in thumbs was 5.7 mm and in other fingers 4.5 mm. There were no signs of neurovascular bundle injuries. The mean distance between needle pathway and neurovascular bundle was 4.3 mm in the thumbs and 6.5 mm in the other fingers. There were no total flexor tendon injuries. The location of the A1 pulley can be predicted with success. Percutaneous release of the A1 pulley with a 19-gauge needle shows acceptable results in both safety and efficacy.