Anatomical Basis of Pronator Teres for Electromyography Needle Placement Using Ultrasonography.
- Author:
Myung Kyu PARK
1
;
In Yae CHEONG
;
Ki Hoon KIM
;
Byung Kyu PARK
;
Dong Hwee KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Forearm; Electromyography; Ultrasonography
- MeSH: Elbow; Electromyography*; Female; Forearm; Humans; Male; Needles*; Tendons; Ultrasonography*
- From:Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 2015;39(1):39-46
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To find the optimal needle insertion site for needle electromyography of the pronator teres (PT) muscle among commonly used sites. METHODS: Fifty forearms of 25 healthy subjects were evaluated. Four expected needle insertion points were designated as follows. Point 0 was positioned at the midpoint between the medial epicondyle and medial border of biceps tendon in the elbow crease. Points 1, 2, and 3 were located 2 cm, 3.5 cm and 5 cm distal to point 0, respectively. We assumed that the thickness of PT and the distances between a vertical line from each point to the medial margin of the PT were significant parameters for finding the optimal site. Thus, we measured these parameters through ultrasonographic examination. RESULTS: In men, the PT was thickest at point 2, and in women, at point 1. The distance between the expected needle insertion line and medial margin of PT was longest at point 1 in both men and women, and was statistically significant compared to points 2 and 3. Both men and women had neurovascular bundles located lateral to the expected needle insertion line. CONCLUSION: The most appropriate and safe needle electromyographic insertional site for the PT is 2-3.5 cm distal to the mid-point between the biceps tendon and medial epicondyle in the elbow crease and the needle should be inserted upward and medial.
