Two- and three-dimensional ultrasound imaging to facilitate detection and targeting of taut bands in myofascial pain syndrome. Pain Med 2012 Jul;13(7):971-5
Date
06/12/2012Pubmed ID
22681185DOI
10.1111/j.1526-4637.2012.01411.xScopus ID
2-s2.0-84863873418 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 37 CitationsAbstract
INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound imaging has gained acceptance in pain management interventions. Features of myofascial pain syndrome have been explored using ultrasound imaging and elastography. There is a paucity of reports showing the benefit clinically. This report provides three-dimensional features of taut bands and highlights the advantages of using two-dimensional ultrasound imaging to improve targeting of taut bands in deeper locations.
CASE REPORT: Fifty-eight-year-old man with pain and decreased range of motion of the right shoulder was referred for further management of pain above the scapula after having failed conservative management for myofascial pain syndrome. Three-dimensional ultrasound images provided evidence of aberrancy in the architecture of the muscle fascicles around the taut bands compared to the adjacent normal muscle tissue during serial sectioning of the accrued image. On two-dimensional ultrasound imaging over the palpated taut band, areas of hyperechogenicity were visualized in the trapezius and supraspinatus muscles. Subsequently, the patient received ultrasound-guided real-time lidocaine injections to the trigger points with successful resolution of symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: This is a successful demonstration of utility of ultrasound imaging of taut bands in the management of myofascial pain syndrome. Utility of this imaging modality in myofascial pain syndrome requires further clinical validation.
Author List
Shankar H, Reddy SAuthor
Hariharan Shankar MD Professor in the Anesthesiology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultElasticity Imaging Techniques
Facial Neuralgia
Humans
Imaging, Three-Dimensional
Male
Pain Measurement
Shoulder Pain
Trigger Points
