ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasonography for dorsal wrist cyst.MethodsThe ultrasonographic characteristics of 136 dorsal wrist cysts were retrospectively studied and compared with the pathological results, the locations and the imaging characteristics of the cysts were analysed, hence to conclude the diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasonography.ResultsBased on the anatomical location diagnosed by high frequency ultrasound, the 136 dorsal cysts were divided into three types: extensor retinaculum cysts, synovial tendon sheath cysts and dorsal interosseous ligament cysts, each accounted for 1.5% (2/136), 24.3% (33/136) and 74.2% (101/136) of the study group. The most frequently detected locations for dorsal cysts were dorsal scapholunate ligament,tendinous sheath of extensor digitorum and extensor indicis, as well as tendinous sheath of extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis,each accounted for 60.3% (82/136), 8.1% (11/136) and 6.6% (9/136) of all dorsal wrist cysts respectively. Dorsal wrist cysts had typical ultrasonographic features on 2-D gray-scale ultrasonography, the extensor retinaculum cyst demonstrated as a well-marginated, small-sized and oval anechoic area, which was commonly located in the oedematous extensor retinaculum, but it had no adjunction with the extensor tendon, and it was accompanied with dorsal scapholunate ligment cyst frequently. Synovial tendon sheath cyst demonstrated as a oval or eggplant-shaped anechoic area which was usually winding around the extensor tendon, but it had no adjunction with the dorsal interosseous ligament and the extensor retinaculum. Meanwhile, the dorsal interosseous ligament appeared to be normal strip-like echo texture with a smooth and clear margin. Dorsal interosseous ligament cyst demonstrated as a out-of-shape anechoic area and located superior to the injured ligament. Meanwhile, the impaired ligament was thickened with uneven margin and decreased echo texture. No blood lfow signals was detected in all dorsal wrist cysts by color doppler lfow imaging.ConclusionHigh-frequency ultrasonography can be used to diagnosis dorsal wrist cysts, and can be served as the preferred imaging modelity to guide the clinical treatment.

Objective To investigate high-frequency ultrasonic characters and screening method of plantar metatarsal level in normal adults.Methods Plantar metatarsal level were examined with high frequency ultrasound in 40 normal adults.The base,body and head of the first to the fifth metatarsal were used as anatomical location markers.The ultrasonic characters and screening method were described and recorded.Results The plantar skin,plantar fat pad,plantar aponeurosis and deep muscular structures,including the flexor digitorum brevis,abductor hallucis,abductor digiti minimi,lumbricalis,felxor hallucis brevis,flexor digiti minimi brevis,abductor hallucis and plantar interossei were illuminated in detail with high-frequency ultrasound.Conclusion High frequency ultrasound can be used to depict anatomical structures of plantar metatarsal level.

Objective To observe value of high frequency ultrasound for inspection of T7-8 paravertebral space and adjacent structures.Methods Color Doppler ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with linear array transducer (frequency 3-12 MHz) were used.Taking shoulder blade,ribs,thoracic spine and transverse process as anatomical marks,T7-8 paravertebral spaces of 30 normal adult (a total of 60 side) were examined.Ultrasonographic features of T7-8 paravertebral space and the adjacent structures were observed.Results T7-8 thoracic paravertebral showed as similar triangular shape with ultrasonography,interior solid homogeneously hypoechoic was noticed.Adjacent muscles of T7-8 paravertebral space included the trapezius,latissimus dorsi,spinalis,semispinalis,multifidus,rotatores and intercostal muscles.Color Doppler or power Doppler flow imaging could demonstrate posterior intercostal artery in the paravertebral space.Conclusion High frequency ultrasound can clearly show T7-8 paravertebral space and adjacent structures,thus providing ultrasonic references for clinical diagnosis and treatment of lesions of thoracic space and adjacent structures.

Objective:To observe the anatomical characteristics of the semispinalis capitis plane (SCP) to provide a reference for clinically effective implementation of ultrasound-guided SCP block.Methods:Ultrasound scanning was performed in six certain districts of SCP in 30 healthy volunteers (60 sides). The key point was to examine and describe the anatomical characteristics of semispinalis capitis (SCA), deep space of SCA and structures within the space.Results:(1) Transverse scanning at the posterior arch of atlas revealed that the SCA was separated into medial and lateral head by an oblique thick septum; in the space between SCA and obliquus capitis inferior (SCA-OCI), the third occipital nerve (TON) and the greater occipital nerve (GON) were separated by a fascia.There was often a branch of occipital vein between them.The distance from TON to GON was (12.9±0.6) mm.(2) Transverse scanning at the lamina of axis revealed that the axial image of SCA and the structures in SCA-OCI space were similar to the results previously described in (1). The distance from TON to GON was (12.1±0.5) mm.(3) Sagittal scanning beside the spinous process of axis revealed that SCA was separated into superior and inferior belly by a septum which connected to the end of axis spinous process.(4) Sagittal scanning at the C 2, 3 facet joint revealed that in the space between OCI and C 2, 3 facet joint (OCI-C 2, 3) beneath SCA, there was no septum between TON and GON.The distance from TON to GON was (8.0±0.5) mm.(5) Transverse scanning at the lamina of C 4 revealed that in the space between SCA and semispinalis cervicis, the deep cervical artery and vein were observable except medial branch of C 4, and the characteristics of the short axis of the SCA belly were similar to the results previously described in (1). (6) Transverse scanning at the lamina of C 5 revealed that the view was similar to the results previously described in (5). The posterior branch of C 5 nerve was not found. Conclusions:SCP is rich in fascia, and blood vessels often pass through the deep surface space of SCA under ultrasound.The anatomical structure is complex, and there is individual variation.Grasping its ultrasonic anatomical characteristics is helpful in safely and effectively implementing ultrasound-guided SCP block.