Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
The Transition to an Anterior-Based Muscle Sparing Approach Improves Early Postoperative Function but is Associated with a Learning Curve
Published on: September 7, 2022
Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodissection Combined with Acupotomy Release versus Hydrodissection Alone for Deep Gluteal
Jingmei Tuo1, Jinfeng Wang2, Yunhao Luo3
1Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Zhangjiakou First Hospital, Zhangjiakou, People's Republic of China.
Purpose:
To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided hydrodissection alone versus hydrodissection combined with acupotomy release for deep gluteal syndrome (DGS).
Methods:
This retrospective study included 82 patients with DGS, divided into a hydrodissection group (n = 41) and a combined hydrodissection with acupotomy group (n = 41). Both groups underwent ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve hydrodissection; the combined group additionally received acupotomy to incise surrounding fascia. Primary outcomes were changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores at two weeks post-treatment.
Results:
No complications (eg, bleeding, nerve injury) occurred in either group from immediately post-treatment to two weeks. At two weeks, both groups showed significant improvements in VAS and ODI scores compared to baseline (P<0.001)). The combined group had greater VAS improvement [median (IQR): 4.00 (4.00, 5.00)] than the hydrodissection group [3.00 (2.00, 4.00); P < 0.001] and greater ODI improvement [40 (20, 60) vs 20 (20, 30); P = 0.004].
Conclusion:
Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection combined with acupotomy release was associated with greater short-term pain relief (VAS) and functional improvement (ODI) in patients with DGS compared with hydrodissection alone.
