Ultrasound-Guided Physiological Saline Injection for Patients with Myofascial Pain

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Myofascial pain is treated via interfascial blocks, targeting nerve structures in fascia.
• Limited studies exist on physiological saline injections for myofascial pain.
• Ultrasound-guided physiological saline injection (PSI) is a routine outpatient procedure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided PSI for myofascial pain.
• To determine patient response rates, duration of pain relief, and adverse events.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 142 patient medical records from August 2016 to November 2017.
• Patients received ultrasound-guided PSI at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.
• Data analysis included patient demographics, pain characteristics, and procedure outcomes.

Main Results:

• 72.8% of patients experienced pain reduction.
• The median acceptable pain period was 63 days; 43.9% had relief >3 months.
• Upper trapezius, multifidus, and quadratus lumborum were common injection sites.
• Approximately 30% discontinued pain medication post-procedure.
• No major adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-guided PSI is an effective minimally invasive technique for myofascial pain.
• It demonstrates significant pain reduction and acceptable duration of relief.
• The procedure is safe with no major adverse events observed.