Abstract
Introduction
We describe a case report and technique for using an ultrasound scanner and a linear transducer to guide serratus posterior superior (SPS) muscle injection. A 43-year-old female presented with chronic pain centered under the right upper portion of her scapula impacting her activities of daily living.
Methods and materials
For the ultrasound-guided SPS muscle injection, the patient was placed in the prone position. The transducer was oriented in a transverse orientation at the level of the C6-T1 vertebrae. Here the SPS muscle attaches to the lower portion of the ligament nuchae and the intervening interspinous ligaments. The muscle fibers run inferiorly and laterally to attach to the 2nd–5th ribs which were identified along with the lateral portion of the serratus posterior superior muscle which is covered by the scapula. Real-time imaging was used to direct a spinal needle into the trigger points of the SPS muscle, where solution was injected under direct vision. The patient’s pain symptoms improved significantly.
Conclusion
Serratus posterior superior injection can confirm a diagnosis of scapulocostal syndrome and be therapeutically beneficial.
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Dr Ciana McCarthy and Dr Dominic Harmon reported no conflicts of interest.
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The author states that the report describes the care of one or more patients. The patient consented to publication of the report. This is described in the report.
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McCarthy, C., Harmon, D. A technical report on ultrasound-guided scapulocostal syndrome injection. Ir J Med Sci 185, 669–672 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-015-1336-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-015-1336-z