Aim: To report the safety and short-term efficacy of the use of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign symptomatic thyroid nodules. Methods:The treatment outcomes of patients who were treated with RFA for benign symptomatic thyroid nodules from December 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Nodule volumes were assessed before treatment, and at 1, 6 and 12 months after treatment for comparison. Complications were reported.Results: A total of 18 patients were treated. The volume reduction rate at 1, 6 and 12 months were 39.6% ± 23.4%, 60.02% ± 18.40% and 70.18% ± 22.68%, respectively. The rate of treatment success was 33.3%, 72.2% and 81.8%, respectively. Statistically significant reductions were noted in volume at all three time points (all with P < .05). Three complications were reported, including Horner syndrome, thyroiditis and pseudocyst formation after ablation. All of them were managed conservatively and symptoms resolved subsequently.Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided RFA is a safe modality for treating benign symptomatic thyroid nodules with satisfactory short-term efficacy.

Background: The aim of the study was to describe the innervation of flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and obtain its surgical coordinates to facilitate selective neurotomy. Materials and methods: Fifteen embalmed lower limbs of adults were studied. Anatomical dissections to isolate the innervating branches of FHL were performed. Distance between the supplying nerve of FHL, including both its origin and termination, and the medial malleolus were obtained, providing anatomical coordinates beneficial for surgery. Results: In all cases, FHL was innervated by only one branch, which originated from the tibial nerve. Mean distance between the medial malleolus and the nervous branch origin was 21.39 ± 3.05 cm. Mean distance between the medial malleolus and the nervous branch termination was 12.7 ± 1.59 cm. Length of the nervous branch innervating FHL was proportional to the length of the leg, measuring 8.69 ± 2.45 cm. All nerves were located 15-17.4 cm above the medial malleolus. Conclusions: This anatomical study traced valuable surgical coordinates useful for performing selective peripheral neurotomy on the nerve branch innervating the FHL. (Folia Morphol 2019; 78, 3: 617-620)