Objective To verify the accuracy of Youssef's formula and evaluate whether fetal biacromial diameter(BA)and other fetal biological diameters estimated by ultrasound can be used to predict macrosomia and shoulder dystocia,so as to provide the possibility for clinical prediction of shoulder dystocia.Methods A total of 200 pregnant women with a gestational period of 37-42 weeks were examined with ultrasound within 3 days before delivery for collecting biparietal diameter(BPD),head circumference(HC),abdominal circumference(AC),humerus length(HL),femur length(FL),thoracic transverse diameter and midpoint diameter of upper arm;and the fetal BA was estimated by Youssef's formula.Neonatal BA,body mass and body length were measured within 1 day after delivery.The above data were analyzed for correlation.Newborns were grouped according to their body mass(macrosomia vs non-macrosomia)and whether they had shoulder dystocia or not(shoulder dystocia vs non-shoulder dystocia).Results(1)The fetal BA estimated by Youssef's formula was consistent with neonatal BA(P>0.05),and the estimated BA was positively correlated with BPD,HC,AC and neonatal body mass(P<0.001).(2)The BA,BA/AC and BA/HC in macrosomia group were different from those in non-macrosomia group(P<0.05).ROC curve showed that the sensitivity and specificity were 92.3%and 88.2%for macrosomia prediction when the estimated BA threshold was 16.05 cm,and those were 61.5%and 77.0%when BA/AC threshold was 0.455,and 76.9%and 72.7%when BA/HC threshold was 0.465.(3)Shoulder dystocia group had neonatal weight close to non-shoulder dystocia group(P>0.05),but higher BA/BPD,BA/HC and BA-BPD(P<0.05).ROC curve showed that the sensitivity and specificity were 100.0%and 66.8%for shoulder dystocia when BA threshold was 15.45 cm,100.0%and 80.6%when BA/BPD threshold was 1.695,100.0%and 81.6%when BA/HC threshold was 0.475,and 100.0%and 76.0%when the threshold difference between BA and BPD was 6.35 cm.Conclusion Fetal BA,BA/BPD,BA/HC,BA/AC and BA-BPD may be effective predictors of shoulder dystocia and macrosomia.

Objective To verify the accuracy of Youssef's formula and evaluate whether fetal biacromial diameter(BA)and other fetal biological diameters estimated by ultrasound can be used to predict macrosomia and shoulder dystocia,so as to provide the possibility for clinical prediction of shoulder dystocia.Methods A total of 200 pregnant women with a gestational period of 37-42 weeks were examined with ultrasound within 3 days before delivery for collecting biparietal diameter(BPD),head circumference(HC),abdominal circumference(AC),humerus length(HL),femur length(FL),thoracic transverse diameter and midpoint diameter of upper arm;and the fetal BA was estimated by Youssef's formula.Neonatal BA,body mass and body length were measured within 1 day after delivery.The above data were analyzed for correlation.Newborns were grouped according to their body mass(macrosomia vs non-macrosomia)and whether they had shoulder dystocia or not(shoulder dystocia vs non-shoulder dystocia).Results(1)The fetal BA estimated by Youssef's formula was consistent with neonatal BA(P>0.05),and the estimated BA was positively correlated with BPD,HC,AC and neonatal body mass(P<0.001).(2)The BA,BA/AC and BA/HC in macrosomia group were different from those in non-macrosomia group(P<0.05).ROC curve showed that the sensitivity and specificity were 92.3%and 88.2%for macrosomia prediction when the estimated BA threshold was 16.05 cm,and those were 61.5%and 77.0%when BA/AC threshold was 0.455,and 76.9%and 72.7%when BA/HC threshold was 0.465.(3)Shoulder dystocia group had neonatal weight close to non-shoulder dystocia group(P>0.05),but higher BA/BPD,BA/HC and BA-BPD(P<0.05).ROC curve showed that the sensitivity and specificity were 100.0%and 66.8%for shoulder dystocia when BA threshold was 15.45 cm,100.0%and 80.6%when BA/BPD threshold was 1.695,100.0%and 81.6%when BA/HC threshold was 0.475,and 100.0%and 76.0%when the threshold difference between BA and BPD was 6.35 cm.Conclusion Fetal BA,BA/BPD,BA/HC,BA/AC and BA-BPD may be effective predictors of shoulder dystocia and macrosomia.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided semispinalis capitis plane (SCP) block for treatment of occipital neuralgia (ON).Methods:This was a prospective study. Ninety patients of both sexes, aged 29-66 yr, suffering ON for 3 months-6 yr in Zibo Municipal Hospital from January 2022 to December 2023, were divided into 3 groups ( n=30 each) using a random number table method: combination of greater occipital nerve (GON) block and the third occipital nerve (TON) block group (group GT), SCP block via the medial head of semispinalis capitis muscle (SCM) group (group Sm), and SCP block via the space between obliquus capitis inferior and C 2, 3 facet joint (OCI-C 2, 3) group (group OC). In GT group, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory compound solution 2.5 ml was injected around GON in the SCM-OCI space at the C 2 level of the cervical vertebra and at the lateral surface of C 2, 3 facet joint. In Sm group, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory compound solution 5 ml was injected into the medial head of SCM at the level of C 1. In OC group, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory compound solution 5 ml was injected into the OCI-C 2, 3 space in the deep part of SCM. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score were recorded before treatment (T 1) and at 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after treatment (T 2-6), and then the rates of pain relief and improvement in sleep quality were calculated. The time spent in blocking, onset time of blocking, completion time of blocking, duration of block, and occurrence of adverse reactions within 24 h after block were recorded. Results:There were no significant differences in VAS scores and PSQI scores at T 1-3 and T 5-6 among the three groups ( P>0.05), and VAS and PSQI scores were significantly higher at T 4 in Sm group than in OC and GT groups ( P<0.05). Compared with GT group, the time spent in blocking was significantly shortened, the onset time and completion time of block was prolonged, and the duration of block was shortened in Sm group, and the time spent in blocking was significantly shortened, the onset time and completion time of block was shortened ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the duration of block in OC group ( P>0.05). No severe complications were observed in the three groups. Conclusions:Compared with the combination of GON and TON blocks, ultrasound-guided SCP block for treating ON is simple and highly safe, SCP block via the OCI-C 2, 3 space has rapid onset and long duration, leading to significant improvements in pain and sleep quality, and it can be used as the first-choice block method for treating ON.

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.

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.

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.