Sensorimotor Learning of Acupuncture Needle Manipulation Using Visual Feedback

Objective

Humans can acquire a wide variety of motor skills using sensory feedback pertaining to discrepancies between intended and actual movements. Acupuncture needle manipulation involves sophisticated hand movements and represents a fundamental skill for acupuncturists. We investigated whether untrained students could improve their motor performance during acupuncture needle manipulation using visual feedback (VF).

Methods

Twenty-one untrained medical students were included, randomly divided into concurrent (n = 10) and post-trial (n = 11) VF groups. Both groups were trained in simple lift/thrusting techniques during session 1, and in complicated lift/thrusting techniques in session 2 (eight training trials per session). We compared the motion patterns and error magnitudes of pre- and post-training tests.

Results

During motion pattern analysis, both the concurrent and post-trial VF groups exhibited greater improvements in motion patterns during the complicated lifting/thrusting session. In the magnitude error analysis, both groups also exhibited reduced error magnitudes during the simple lifting/thrusting session. For the training period, the concurrent VF group exhibited reduced error magnitudes across all training trials, whereas the post-trial VF group was characterized by greater error magnitudes during initial trials, which gradually reduced during later trials.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that novices can improve the sophisticated hand movements required for acupuncture needle manipulation using sensorimotor learning with VF. Use of two types of VF can be beneficial for untrained students in terms of learning how to manipulate acupuncture needles, using either automatic or cognitive processes.     

Biomechanical response to acupuncture needling in humans.

During acupuncture treatments, acupuncture needles are manipulated to elicit the characteristic "de qi" reaction widely viewed as essential to acupuncture's therapeutic effect. De qi has a biomechanical component, "needle grasp," which we have quantified by measuring the force necessary to pull an acupuncture needle out of the skin (pullout force) in 60 human subjects. We hypothesized that pullout force is greater with both bidirectional needle rotation (BI) and unidirectional rotation (UNI) than no rotation (NO). Acupuncture needles were inserted, manipulated, and pulled out by using a computer-controlled acupuncture needling instrument at eight acupuncture points and eight control points. We found 167 and 52% increases in mean pullout force with UNI and BI, respectively, compared with NO (repeated-measures ANOVA, P < 0.001). Pullout force was on average 18% greater at acupuncture points than at control points (P < 0.001). Needle grasp is therefore a measurable biomechanical phenomenon associated with acupuncture needle manipulation.     

康复训练、针灸联合丹参川芎嗪穴位注射对脑梗死患者肩手综合征的影响

目的:探讨康复训练、针灸联合丹参川穹嗪穴位注射对脑梗死患者肩手综合征的影响。方法:选取2014年3月至2016年3月于我院诊治的脑梗死后肩手综合征(SHS)患者82例,随机平均分为A、B组各41例。A组患者予综合药物治疗、针灸及康复训练,B组在A组基础上给予丹参川穹嗪穴位注射治疗。分析比较两组患者治疗前后的上肢运动功能评分(FMA)、数字疼痛评分(NRS)、肩关节肿胀程度、肩关节活动度(ROM)、神经功能缺损评分(CNFDS)、日常生活活动能力(MBI)和生活质量评分(WHOQOL)。结果:治疗后,两组患者的NRS评分、肩关节肿胀程度、上肢CNFDS评分均较治疗前显著降低,上肢FMA评分、MBI、WHOQOL评分、各个范围ROM均明显增加,且B组以上指标较A组改善更明显(P0.05)。结论:康复训练、针灸联合丹参川穹嗪穴位注射治疗脑梗死后肩手综合征疗效显著优于药物、针灸治疗及康复训练。     

Assessment of dose error due to nylon mesh of treatment couch

PurposeThis study aims at the assessment of dose error in patients undergoing radiotherapy due to treatment couch of Co-60 teletherapy unit.Materials and methodsIn this study beam attenuation due to treatment couch of Co-60 unit was measured in air for different gantry angles and field sizes. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) phantom was used to estimate the effect of depth on attenuation. Impact of couch on surface dose was also evaluated.ResultsBeam attenuation due to couch was in the range of 0.5–28% for different gantry angles with standard field size of 10 × 10 cm² with optimum position of metallic cranks. Maximum attenuation (29%) was observed with smallest field size i.e. 5 × 5 cm². Beam attenuation has been found higher in phantom as compared to that in air However, no particular trend of attenuation has been noted with varying depth of phantom. A 6% increase in surface dose has also been observed due to couch insertion for normal beam incidence. Maximum error of 80% is also note-worthy for most unfavorable situation of irradiation at 180 degree through the metallic cranks.ConclusionIt has been determined that ignoring the treatment couch and its accessories can result in dose error of 0.5–80%, depending on gantry angle, field size and position of couch accessories. Therefore, consideration of dose error due to couch during treatment planning is recommended.     

Passive marker tracking via phase-only cross correlation (POCC) for MR-guided needle interventions: Initial in vivo experience

PurposeIn this work, a passive tracking sequence employing a phase-only cross correlation (POCC) algorithm was studied with a focus on the in vivo applicability of the technique. Therefore, MR-guided needle interventions were performed in a phantom and two animal experiments.MethodsThe targeting accuracy was quantified in an agarose phantom with 15 fiducials. For each fiducial, the distance between needle trajectory and target point was measured. In a first animal experiment at 3 T, the prostate of a pig was punctured under POCC guidance. Second, POCC-based tracking was performed during a laser-induced thermal therapy procedure in peripheral porcine muscle tissue at 1.5 T.ResultsIn the phantom experiment, the 15 fiducials were penetrated with a mean accuracy of 1.5 ± 0.9 mm (mean duration for one puncture about 2 min). In the first animal experiment, the center of the pig's right prostatic lobe was accurately punctured within 15 min. In the second, targeting and insertion of the needle could be performed within 5 min and a thermal lesion was successfully created.ConclusionOur initial experience with the POCC-based tracking sequence indicates that this technique has the potential as an accurate and versatile tool for in vivo MR-guided needle interventions.     

一种提高乳腺扩散光学层析成像分辨率的方式

目的 扩散光学层析成像（diffuse optical tomography,DOT）在女性大尺寸乳腺检测时因信噪比低,导致其成像分辨率较低。本文基于计算机断层扫描激光乳腺成像系统（computed tomography laser mammography,CTLM）,提出一种提高乳腺扩散光学层析成像分辨率的方式。方法 本文首先通过仿体实验探讨仿体直径和目标深度对扩散光学层析成像分辨率的影响;其次,本文使用高透性的光敏树脂通过3D打印制作外壳定位件,在验证其对扩散光学层析成像分辨率无显著影响后,利用外壳定位件对被测物进行约束压缩,以减小被测物直径来提高信噪比,优化扩散光学层析成像分辨率。结果 本文通过仿体实验验证了仿体直径的增加和目标深度的变化均会在一定程度上影响成像分辨率,随着仿体直径的增加,其感兴趣区（region of interests,ROIs）宽轴和长轴半高宽基本属于上升趋势;随着目标深度的增加,也会对ROIs宽轴和长轴半高宽产生影响。同时发现仿体直径对ROIs长轴半高宽有显著影响,目标深度对ROIs宽轴半高宽有显著影响。另外通过仿体实验结果验证了外壳定位件对扩散光学层析成像分辨率无显著影响,利用外壳定位件约束压缩后ROIs长轴半高宽降幅明显,降幅达到30%以上,远大于宽轴半高宽的降幅,达到了提高成像分辨率的作用。结论 本文所提出的方式能够达到提高乳腺扩散光学层析成像分辨率的作用,且所使用的材料和方法简单,具有较强的可实施性,为提高乳腺扩散光层析成像分辨率提供了新思路。     

Development of an x-ray-opaque-marker system for quantitative phantom positioning in patient-specific quality assurance

PurposeWe developed an x-ray-opaque-marker (XOM) system with inserted fiducial markers for patient-specific quality assurance (QA) in CyberKnife (Accuray) and a general-purpose linear accelerator (linac). The XOM system can be easily inserted or removed from the existing patient-specific QA phantom. Our study aimed to assess the utility of the XOM system by evaluating the recognition accuracy of the phantom position error and estimating the dose perturbation around a marker.MethodsThe recognition accuracy of the phantom position error was evaluated by comparing the known error values of the phantom position with the values measured by matching the images with target locating system (TLS; Accuray) and on-board imager (OBI; Varian). The dose perturbation was evaluated for 6 and 10 MV single-photon beams through experimental measurements and Monte Carlo simulations.ResultsThe root mean squares (RMSs) of the residual position errors for the recognition accuracy evaluation in translations were 0.07 mm with TLS and 0.30 mm with OBI, and those in rotations were 0.13° with TLS and 0.15° with OBI. The dose perturbation was observed within 1.5 mm for 6 MV and 2.0 mm for 10 MV from the marker.ConclusionsSufficient recognition accuracy of the phantom position error was achieved using our system. It is unnecessary to consider the dose perturbation in actual patient-specific QA. We concluded that the XOM system can be utilized to ensure quantitative and accurate phantom positioning in patient-specific QA with CyberKnife and a general-purpose linac.     

The accuracy of needle electrode placement by trainees in selected forearm muscles using verification by neuromuscular ultrasound

IntroductionAnatomic landmarks alone may not always be sufficient to accurately guide electromyography (EMG) electrode needle placement.MethodsSenior residents and fellows (n = 11) targeted 4 forearm muscles with anatomic landmarks alone versus with audiovisual EMG feedback. Accuracy of EMG needle placement was verified using neuromuscular ultrasound imaging.ResultsWhile relatively large and superficial FCR muscle was sampled at a rate of 100% with and without audiovisual EMG feedback, accuracy of deeper and/or smaller forearm muscles (FPL, EIP, and SUP) diminished significantly without audiovisual EMG feedback.DiscussionOur study suggests that in clinical scenarios in which an electrodiagnostician relies on anatomic landmarks alone to target small and deep muscles, the risk of misplacement of needle electrode is increased. Consideration for neuromuscular ultrasound to augment training and/or real time guidance in EMG practice may be appropriate.     

Error detection during VMAT delivery using EPID-based 3D transit dosimetry

PurposeTo investigate the effectiveness of an EPID-based 3D transit dosimetry system in detecting deliberately introduced errors during VMAT delivery.MethodsAn Alderson phantom was irradiated using four VMAT treatment plans (one prostate, two head-and-neck and one lung case) in which delivery, thickness and setup errors were introduced. EPID measurements were performed to reconstruct 3D dose distributions of “error” plans, which were compared with “no-error” plans using the mean gamma (γ_mean), near-maximum gamma (γ_1%) and the difference in isocenter dose (ΔD_isoc) as metrics.ResultsOut of a total of 42 serious errors, the number of errors detected was 33 (79%), and 27 out of 30 (90%) if setup errors are not included. The system was able to pick up errors of 5 mm movement of a leaf bank, a wrong collimator rotation angle and a wrong photon beam energy. A change in phantom thickness of 1 cm was detected for all cases, while only for the head-and-neck plans a 2 cm horizontal and vertical shift of the phantom were alerted. A single leaf error of 5 mm could be detected for the lung plan only.ConclusionAlthough performed for a limited number of cases and error types, this study shows that EPID-based 3D transit dosimetry is able to detect a number of serious errors in dose delivery, leaf bank position and patient thickness during VMAT delivery. Errors in patient setup and single leaf position can only be detected in specific cases.     

揪提手法与梯级提升牵引器矫治乳头内陷患者的效果对比分析

目的:分析和比较揪提手法与梯级提升牵引器矫治乳头内陷的临床效果。方法:选择2013年1月-2018年1月于我院进行治疗的44例乳头内陷患者为研究对象,按照随机数字表法将其均分为实验组与对照组,每组各22例患者。对照组患者实施揪提手法治疗,实验组患者使用梯级提升牵引器进行治疗,两组干预时间均为2个月。治疗结束后,对比两组患者治疗有效率,治疗开始时、治疗1个月时及治疗2个月时视觉模拟量表评分(VAS),术后3个月时复发率及治疗期间并发症发生率。结果:(1)对照组治疗有效率为59.09%(26/44),实验组治疗有效率为86.36%(38/44),较对照组显著升高(P0.05);(2)治疗第一天,实验组患者VAS评分明显高于对照组(P0.05),但两组患者治疗1个月及2个月时VAS评分对比差异不具有统计学意义(P0.05);(3)术后6个月随访示实验组复发率显著低于对照组(P0.05);(4)实验组患者治疗期间不良反应发生率明显低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:阶梯提升牵引器矫治乳头内陷的效果明显常规优于揪提手法,虽然治疗之初患者较为疼痛,但患者远期预后显著好于常规揪提手法。     

Lifting Disabled Patients onto the Densitometer with a Ceiling Lift: Effect of the Sling on Measurement of BMD

ObjectivesLifting disabled patients onto a densitometer manually is dangerous for both the patient and the densitometry staff; using a ceiling lift is the preferred method of transfer. This system requires the use of a sling underneath the patient. Unless extra time is taken for its removal, the sling remains underneath the patient as bone mineral density (BMD) is measured. The aim of this study was to determine whether leaving this sling in place during scan acquisition affects the BMD measurement.MethodsMeasurements were taken of a spine phantom 30 times by itself, 30 times with a standard sling underneath the spine phantom, and 16 times with a disposable sling underneath the spine phantom.ResultsWe found that mean BMD was significantly different versus the phantom alone when a sling was used, due to differences in area, bone mineral content, or both. The disposable sling affected the mean BMD to a much greater extent than did the standard sling (+1.9% vs. −0.41%; P for the difference between slings <.001). The standard sling did not increase the variance in the BMD measurement compared with the spine phantom alone, whereas the disposable sling did increase the variance in the BMD measurements.ConclusionCommercially available ceiling-lift slings affect BMD measurements of spine phantoms. This effect is expected to persist when BMD is measured in patients and suggests that when lifting a patient onto the densitometer using these slings, it is best to take the time to remove the sling from under the patient after transfer and before scanning. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:825-829)     

"调神畅志"针刺法对帕金森伴便秘模型大鼠结肠组织5-HT4R及CaM-MLCK信号通路影响的研究

摘要 目的：探讨"调神畅志"针刺法对帕金森伴便秘(Parkinson''s disease with constipation)模型大鼠结肠组织中5-羟色胺4受体（5-HT4R）及钙调蛋白（CaM）-肌球蛋白轻链激酶（MLCK）信号通路影响的研究,并探讨其可能作用机制。方法：采用随机数字表将60只大鼠分为空白组、假手术组、模型组、西药组、常规针刺组、调神畅志针刺组,每组10只。模型组、常规针刺组、调神畅志针刺组颈背部皮下注射鱼藤酮的方法制造PDD大鼠模型,并用阿扑吗啡（APO）诱导检测。常规针刺组选取天枢、足三里、上巨虚及舞蹈震颤控制区,接电针,连续波频率15Hz,刺激强度2 mA,留针30分钟,1日1次,连续4周;调神畅志针刺组：选取王顺教授 " 调神畅志 " 三六九针法,百会透太阳、中脘、气海、足三里、太冲,采用连续波,头针频率45Hz,腹针频率30Hz,肢体针频率15Hz（体现调神畅志三六九针法的头针重、腹针中、四肢针轻的量化刺激）,刺激强度约2 mA,留针30 min,1日1次,连续4周;西药组采用美多芭、莫沙必利每日灌胃,连续治疗4周;模型组、假手术组：每日2 mL生理盐水灌胃,连续4周;空白组不予处理。采用Western blot法检测各组近端结肠组织中5-HT4R、CaM及MLCK蛋白表达以及含量水平。结果：与空白组相比,模型组大鼠近端结肠组织中5-HT4R、CaM及MLCK蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.01),与模型组比较,三个治疗组（西药组、常规针刺组、调神畅志针刺组）近端结肠组织5-HT4R、CaM及MLCK蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.01)。与常规针刺组相比,调神畅志组5-HT4R、CaM及MLCK蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.05)。结论：针刺可改善PD伴便秘大鼠模型便秘症状,且调神畅志针刺组优于常规针刺组,其作用机理可能通过调节大鼠结肠组织中5-HT4R蛋白表达以及激活CaM-MLCK信号通路来实现的。     

Ultrasound-guided intraoperative electron beam radiation therapy: A phantom study

PurposeTo develop the method for ultrasound (US)-guided intra-operative electron beam radiation therapy (IOERT).MethodsWe first established the simulation, planning, and delivery methods for US-guided IOERT and constructed appropriate hardware (the multi-function applicator, accessories, and US phantom). We tested our US-guided IOERT method using this hardware and the Monte Carlo simulation IOERT treatment planning system (TPS). The IOERT TPS used a compensator to build the conformal dose distribution. Then, we used the TPS to evaluate the effect of setup uncertainty on target coverage by introducing phantom setup error ranging from 0 mm to 10 mm to the plans with and without the compensator.ResultsThe simulation, planning, and delivery methods for US-guided IOERT were introduced and validated on a phantom. A complete technique for US-guided IOERT was established. Target coverage decreased by about 12% and 29% as the phantom setup error increased to 5 mm and 10 mm for the plans with compensator, respectively. Without compensator, the corresponding target coverage decreases were 2% and 13%, respectively.ConclusionIn our study, we developed the multi-function applicator, US Phantom, and TPS for IOERT. The procedures included not only dose distribution planning, but also intraoperative US imaging, which provided the information necessary during surgery to improve IOERT quality assurance. Target coverage was more sensitive to setup errors with compensator compared to no compensator. Further studies are needed to validate the clinical efficacy of this US-guided IOERT method.     

于氏头针结合颈项部针刺法治疗脑出血恢复期吞咽障碍*

目的:观察于氏头针结合颈项部针刺法治疗脑出血恢复期吞咽障碍的有效性和安全性。方法:选取150例脑出血恢复期吞咽困难的患者,随机分为于氏项针、头针+颈项部针刺+偏瘫侧肢体针刺(治疗组)75例和除项区外的于氏头针+颈项部针刺+偏瘫侧肢体针刺(对照组)75例。采用洼田氏饮水试验、肺炎发生率、拔除胃管时间及EAT-10量表测评。根据以上量表及评分,给出相应结论。结果:洼田饮水量表显示,两组患者治疗前后均有好转,治疗组平均恢复等级小于对照组。对比拔除胃管平均时间,两组相差6.347天,可见疗效显著。且肺炎发生率两组相差20.6%。同时EAT-10量表也显示治疗组分数每周均小于对照组,可见起效快,效果稳定。结论:于氏头针结合颈项部针刺法治疗脑出血恢复期吞咽障碍疗效确切,可以提高患者的生活质量,值得临床推广。     

经皮穴位电刺激治疗术后疼痛的研究进展

术后疼痛是术后常见的一种伤害性疼痛,随着舒适化医疗的倡导,经皮穴位电刺激因其无创、安全等优点受到关注。经皮穴位电刺激是将经皮神经电刺激与针灸穴位理论相结合的一种方法,虽有研究证实其频率、波形、强度、刺激时间的设定及不同穴位的配伍对镇痛效果均可产生较大的影响,但在规范化方面仍有不足。本文总结其使用方法及镇痛疗效,以期对经皮穴位电刺激应用于临床提供最优参数及穴位配伍,使之规范化,从而发挥出最佳镇痛效果。     

Photoneutron depth dose equivalent distributions in high-energy X-ray medical accelerators by a novel position-sensitive dosimeter

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to; (1) investigate employing a novel position-sensitive mega-size polycarbonate (MSPC) dosimeter for photoneutron (PN) depth, profile and dose equivalent distributions studies in a multilayer polyethylene phantom in a Siemens ONCOR accelerator, and (2) develop depth dose equivalent distribution matrix data at different depths and positions of the phantom for patient PN dose equivalent determination and in particular for PN secondary cancer risk estimation.MethodsPosition-sensitive MSPC dosimeters were successfully exposed at 9 different depths of the phantom in a 10 × 10 cm² X-ray field. The dosimeters were processed in mega-size electrochemical chambers at optimum conditions. Each MSPC dosimeter was placed at a known phantom depth for PN depth dose equivalents and profiles on transverse, longitudinal and diagonal axes and isodose equivalent distribution studies in and out of the X-ray beam.ResultsPN dose equivalent distributions at any depth showed the highest value at the beam central axis and decreases as the distance increases. PN dose equivalent at any position studied in the axes has a maximum value on the phantom surface which decreases as depth increases due to flux reduction by multi-elastic scattering interactions.ConclusionsExtensive PN dose equivalent matrix data at different depths and positions in the phantom were determined. The position-sensitive MSPC dosimeters proved to be highly efficient for PN depth, profile and isodose equivalent distribution studies. The extensive data obtained highly assists for determining PN dose equivalent of a patient undergoing high-energy X-ray therapy and for PN secondary cancer risk estimation.     

Effectiveness of using an unskilled model in action observation combined with motor imagery training for early motor learning in elderly people: a preliminary study

Abstract

Aim of the study: To investigate a more available model for the early phase of motor learning after action observation combined with motor imagery training in elderly people. To address the purpose, we focused on a slow, unskilled model demonstrating an occasional error.

Materials and methods: A total of 36 elderly people participated in the current study and were assigned to either the unskilled or skilled model observation groups (n?=?12, respectively), or the control group (n?=?12). The participants in the observation groups observed the assigned a video clip of an unskilled or skilled model demonstrating a ball rotation task. During the observation, the participants were instructed to imagine themselves as the person in the video clip. The participants in the control group read a scientific paper during the equivalent period of action observation and motor imagery. We measured ball rotation performance (the time required for five rotations, the number of ball drops) in pre- and post-intervention (observation combined with motor imagery training for intervention groups or reading for control group).

Results: Ball rotation performance (ball rotation speed) significantly improved in the unskilled model observation group compared to the other two groups.

Conclusions: Intervention for action observation using unskilled model combined with motor imagery was effective for improving motor performance during the early phase of motor learning.     

基于数据挖掘技术的耳穴压豆治疗失眠的选穴规律研究

摘要 目的：运用数据挖掘技术探讨耳穴压豆治疗失眠的选穴规律,为失眠的辨证论治提供新思路。方法：计算机检索中国知网、维普、万方数据库关于耳穴压豆或耳穴压豆结合其它干预措施治疗失眠的临床研究文献,筛选符合纳入标准的文献,建立Excel表格对耳穴压豆信息进行提取,对耳穴的证型、使用频次、耳穴组合和相关性等方面进行挖掘和可视化分析。结果：筛选出耳穴压豆治疗失眠相关文献1232篇,耳穴共86个。失眠辨证分型以虚症为主,其中以心脾两虚为主要证型,其次为心肾不交。耳穴压豆治疗失眠频次最高的穴位依次为神门(96.27%)、心(78.90%)、皮质下(73.70%)、交感(57.22%)、肾(42.69%)、内分泌(32.55%)。耳穴压豆的关联规则结果显示,治疗失眠关联度最高的为神门与心,配伍以神门-心-皮质下最为常见,其中核心耳穴组合为神门、心、皮质下和交感。结论：在研究方法上,引入Cytosccape软件和R语言作为工具,拓宽了耳穴处方的数据挖掘思路;通过数据挖掘分析揭示了耳穴压豆治疗失眠的取穴特点、用穴规律和穴位配伍组合,为临床优化耳穴处方、提高疗效提供指导和启示。     

Geometric inaccuracy and co-registration errors for CT,DynaCT and MRI images used in robotic stereotactic radiosurgery treatment planning

PurposeTo measure the combined errors due to geometric inaccuracy and image co-registration on secondary images (dynamic CT angiography (dCTA), 3D DynaCT angiography (DynaCTA), and magnetic resonance images (MRI)) that are routinely used to aid in target delineation and planning for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).MethodsThree phantoms (one commercial and two in-house built) and two different analysis approaches (commercial and MATLAB based) were used to quantify the magnitude of geometric image distortion and co-registration errors for different imaging modalities within CyberKnife’s MultiPlan treatment planning software. For each phantom, the combined errors were reported as a mean target registration error (TRE). The mean TRE’s for different intramodality imaging parameters (e.g., mAs, kVp, and phantom set-ups) and for dCTA, DynaCTA, and MRI systems were measured.ResultsOnly X-ray based imaging can be performed with the commercial phantom, and the mean TRE ± standard deviation values were large compared to the in-house analysis using MATLAB. With the 3D printed phantom, even drastic changes in treatment planning CT imaging protocols did not greatly influence the mean TRE (<0.5 mm for a 1 mm slice thickness CT). For all imaging modalities, the largest mean TRE was found on DynaCT, followed by T2-weighted MR images (albeit all <1 mm).ConclusionsThe user may overestimate the mean TRE if the commercial phantom and MultiPlan were used solely. The 3D printed phantom design is a sensitive and suitable quality assurance tool for measuring 3D geometric inaccuracy and co-registration errors across all imaging modalities.     

Comparing Accuracy of Wrist Intra-articular Needle Placement Via Ulnocarpal Approach by Training Level: A Cadaveric Study

BackgroundIntra-articular injections are a standard therapy and diagnostic tool for a variety of wrist conditions. Accurate needle placement is crucial for proper therapeutic benefit and prevention of complications. While some studies claim accurate needle placement requires imaging, others conclude that anatomical guidance is sufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of intra-articular wrist needle placement with the ulnocarpal approach across differing levels of training using clinical anatomy alone.MethodsFourteen fresh-frozen, above-elbow cadaveric specimens were used. Intra-articular needle placement into the wrist via an ulnocarpal approach was attempted by nine study participants: two interns, two junior-level residents, two senior-level residents, two hand fellows, and one attending hand surgeon. Each injection was performed based on clinical examination and landmarks alone. The number of attempts and total time taken for each injection was recorded.ResultsOverall success rate was 71%, (89 of 126 attempts) and did not vary significantly across levels of training. Average time for needle placement among all participants was 10.9 ± 6.5 seconds. Timing of successful intra-articular needle placement (10.4 ± 5.2 seconds) significantly differed between levels. However, timing did not trend in any direction with more or less training. No significant difference was noted in total attempts or attempts with successful outcomes when comparing level of training.ConclusionThe ulnocarpal approach is a viable option for injection or aspiration of the wrist without image guidance. We were unable to show any relevant trends with timing or number of attempts in comparison to level of training. Level of Evidence: V