Ultrasonographic Validation for Needle Placement in the Tibialis Posterior Muscle

Abstract

BackgroundThe tibialis posterior (TP) muscle plays an important role in normal foot function. Safe, efficacious therapeutic approaches addressing this muscle are necessary; however, the location of the muscle in the deep posterior compartment can create challenges. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of needle placement in the TP muscle and determine the needle placement in relation to the neurovascular structures located within the deep compartment. DesignCross Sectional Study.

Dry Needling of the Popliteus Muscle Validation by Ultrasound Imaging: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

“…[ 23 ], performed the validation in an ultrasound-guided manner, i.e., the muscle is punctured while the ultrasound is being performed, in order to ensure that the vascular-nerve structures are avoided. In our case, and in that of Albin et al [ 22 ] and Wang-Prince S et al . [ 24 ], ultrasound is performed afterwards, and it has been shown that an ultrasound-guided puncture is not necessary, which is an enormous advantage for physiotherapists who do not have an ultrasound scanner, as it is still a resource that is not very accessible in the clinic.…”

“…Ultrasound was chosen as the validation method because it does not present ionising radiation for the subject and because of its high reliability in visualising muscular and vascular-nerve structures, and because it allows invasive techniques to be performed at the same time as the ultrasound [ 13 , 15 ]. Its use has been used in recent years to study deep muscle puncture techniques, as can be seen in the work of Albin SR et al [ 22 ], Bagcier F et al [ 23 ] and Wang-Prince S et al [ 24 ]. Albin et al [ 22 ] performed a methodology very similar to this work on the tibialis posterior muscle.…”

“…Its use has been used in recent years to study deep muscle puncture techniques, as can be seen in the work of Albin SR et al [ 22 ], Bagcier F et al [ 23 ] and Wang-Prince S et al [ 24 ]. Albin et al [ 22 ] performed a methodology very similar to this work on the tibialis posterior muscle. The puncture of the tibialis posterior is similar to that of the popliteus, in that it requires moving the needle very close to the tibia until it is no longer touching bone.…”