OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the partial biomechanical properties of the posterior occipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, and obliquus capitis inferior) in patients with cervical vertigo. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with cervical vertigo admitted from April 2024 to September 2024 were included in the vertigo group, and 30 age-and gender-matched healthy subjects were recruited as the normal group. In the vertigo group, there were 21 females and 9 males, with an average age of (24.00±2.25) years;in the normal group, there were 22 females and 8 males, with an average age of (23.00±3.00) years. Shear wave elastography was used to measure the thickness and stiffness of the posterior occipital muscles in both groups. RESULTS: In the vertigo group, there were no statistically significant differences in the Young's modulus values (E) of stiffness of the posterior occipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis inferior) between the left and right sides(P>0.05). The Young's modulus values(E) of stiffness of the right posterior occipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis inferior) in the cervical vertigo group were (39.66±8.21) kPa, (45.61±5.85) kPa, and (43.73±5.22) kPa, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the normal group 33.97(17.76) kPa, 41.38(8.99) kPa, 38.27(12.58) kPa, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). In the vertigo group, the Young's modulus values(E) of stiffness of the left rectus capitis posterior major and left obliquus capitis inferior were (40.41±9.13) kPa and (42.11±6.20) kPa, respectively, which were significantly greater than those in the normal group (33.30±11.31) kPa, 38.94(14.62) kPa, with statistically significant differences(P<0.05);however, there was no statistically significant difference in the left rectus capitis posterior minor between the two groups(P>0.05). In the vertigo group, there were no statistically significant differences in the stiffness of the posterior occipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis inferior) between the left and right sides(P>0.05). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in the thickness of the bilateral posterior occipital muscles between the vertigo group and the normal group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION The posterior occipital muscles of patients with cervical vertigo are stiffer than those of healthy individuals, while there is no significant difference in muscle thickness between the two groups.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Elasticity Imaging Techniques/methods* ; Adult ; Vertigo/physiopathology* ; Neck Muscles/physiopathology* ; Young Adult

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH), also known as Masson tumor, is a rare vascular benign tumor of blood vessels. It may occur in any part of the body, especially the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue of the head, neck, fingers and trunk. The imaging and histopathology of IPEH are similar to hemangiosarcoma, especially in the case of active vascular endothelial hyperplasia. IPEH is a reactive proliferative lesion of vascular intima. The etiology is still unclear. After some studies showed that IPEH was a benign lesion, few reports on the etiology of it were reported. IPEH is usually limited to the thrombotic vessels or lumens of vascular malformations, usually accompanied by a clear history of trauma. IPEH usually does not cause any symptoms. It looks like a slow-growing lump. Some cases have been reported with pain and swelling. Although IPEH is relatively rare, its accurate diagnosis is crucial because it may be similar to malignant angiogenic lesions in clinical practice. There were few reports of cases related to intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia located in the sternocleidomastoid muscle after reviewing the domestic and foreign literature in recent 10 years. This case reports that a young male, who was admitted to the hospital one month after finding a subcutaneous tumor in the left neck. After admittance, relevant preoperative examinations were completed. After multi-disciplinary discussion and elimination of surgical contraindications, a specific surgical plan was formulated. The tumor was removed under local anesthesia on the second day after admission. During the operation, it was found that the tumor was located between the sternocleidomastoid muscle bundles, and it was sent for pathologic examination. Paraffin section pathology was reported after operation. Histological examination showed that the morphology was consistent with vascular endothelial papillary hyperplasia. There were no related surgical complications and recurrence in the 3-month follow-up. The purpose of this paper is to provide clinicians with a certain understanding of this rare disease through the report of this case of IPEH, and to identify it in later clinical work, and at the same time, to avoid confusion with malignant diseases, such as hemangiosarcoma, leading to unnecessary treatment and increase the cost of treatment.
Humans ; Male ; Endothelium, Vascular/pathology* ; Hemangioendothelioma/surgery* ; Hyperplasia/pathology* ; Neck Muscles/surgery* ; Vascular Neoplasms/pathology*

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of transcervical non-inflatable endoscopic thyroidectomy through the posterior inferior sternocleidomastoid approach. Methods:From December 2022 to May 2023, the clinical data of 35 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma treated by transcervical non-inflatable endoscopic surgery via posterior inferior sternocleidomastoid approach were retrospectively analyzed. There were 14 males and 21 females, with an average age of 44.7 years. The operation time, bleeding volume, postoperative recovery, complications and follow-up were recorded. Results:All 35 patients successfully completed the surgery, with an average operation time of 4 hours and 7 minutes, an average bleeding volume of 14 ml, and an average postoperative hospital stay of 3.5 days. There were no serious complications and no obvious neck discomfort during postoperative follow-up. Conclusion:Transcervical non-inflatable endoscopic thyroidectomy via posterior inferior sternocleidomastoid approach is safe and effective, with fast postoperative recovery,high appearance satisfaction and good neck comfort.
Female ; Male ; Humans ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Neck ; Neck Muscles/surgery* ; Thyroid Neoplasms/surgery*

This paper studies the active force characteristics of the neck muscles under the condition of rapid braking, which can provide theoretical support for reducing the neck injury of pilots when carrier-based aircraft blocks the landing. We carried out static loading and real vehicle braking experiments under rapid braking conditions, collected the active contraction force and electromyography (EMG) signals of neck muscles, and analyzed the response characteristics of neck muscle active force response. The results showed that the head and neck forward tilt time was delayed and the amplitude decreased during neck muscle pre-tightening. The duration of the neck in the extreme position decreased, and the recovery towards the seat direction was faster. The EMG signals of trapezius muscle was higher than sternocleidomastoid muscle. This suggests that pilots can reduce neck injury by pre-tightening the neck muscles during actual braking flight. In addition, we can consider the design of relevant fittings for pre-tightening the neck muscles.
Neck Muscles ; Neck ; Electromyography ; Head

Objective: To expore the correlation between neck disability, neck pain and muscle strength in cervical pondylosis of office worker, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of cervical spondylosis. Methods: In April 2021 ,234 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy treated in the Subsidiary Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April 2015 to April 2017 were selected, the correlation between Neck Disability Index (NDI) score, neck pain and muscle strength was analyzed using the Spearman rank correlation method. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the difference of maximum muscle strength of isometric contraction. Results: NDI score was negatively correlated with neck flexion, extension, and muscle strength in the left and right flexion directions (r(s)=-0.164, -0.169, -0.222, -0.176, P=0.012, 0.010, 0.001 , 0.007). In mild and moderate functional disorder patients, the muscle strength in flexion, extension and left and right flexion direction was greater, the difference was statistically significant (P <0.01). Conclusion: There is a negative correlation between cervical functional disorder and cervical muscle strength in office workers, suggesting that strengthening cervical muscle strength may be a way to improve cervical spine function.
Cervical Vertebrae ; Humans ; Muscle Strength/physiology* ; Neck Muscles/physiology* ; Neck Pain/physiopathology* ; Occupational Diseases/physiopathology* ; Range of Motion, Articular/physiology* ; Spondylosis/physiopathology*

PURPOSE: Whiplash associated disorders remain a major health problem in terms of impact on health care and on societal costs. Aetiology remains controversial including the old supposition that the cervical muscles do not play a significant role. This study examined the muscle activity from relevant muscles during rear-end impacts in an effort to gauge their influence on the aetiology of whiplash associated disorders. METHODS: Volunteers were subjected to a sub-injury level of rear impact. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to record cervical muscle activity before, during and after impact. Muscle response time and EMG signal amplitude were analysed. Head, pelvis, and T1 acceleration data were recorded. RESULTS: The activities of the cervical muscles were found to be significant. The sternocleidomastoideus, trapezius and erector spinae were activated on average 59 ms, 73 ms and 84 ms after the impact stimulus, respectively, prior to peak head acceleration (113 ms). CONCLUSION The cervical muscles reacted prior to peak head acceleration, thus in time to influence whiplash biomechanics and possibly injury mechanisms. It is recommended therefore, that muscular influences be incorporated into the development of the new rear-impact crash test dummy in order to make the dummy as biofidelic as possible.
Acceleration ; Accidents, Traffic ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Electromyography ; Head ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Models, Biological ; Neck Muscles ; physiopathology ; Reaction Time ; Whiplash Injuries ; etiology ; physiopathology

Schwannoma is a benign tumor rarely found in the head and neck and much less commonly found in the intraparotid facial nerve. It is a slow-growing encapsulated tumor originating from the Schwann cells or axonal nerve sheath. It can occur anywhere along the course of the facial nerve. Patients may present with symptoms of facial palsy, but the most common presenting symptom is an asymptomatic swelling. Diagnosis is usually difficult before surgical removal and histopathological examination. We report a rare case of intraparotid facial nerve schwannoma in a 57-year-old female who had sustained a mass of the right preauricular area for 3 years. She reported no pain or facial muscle weakness. Enhanced computed tomography findings revealed the impression of pleomorphic adenoma. However, intraoperative gross findings were not characteristic of pleomorphic adenoma, and a frozen biopsy was performed resulting in the impression of a nerve sheath tumor. We performed an extracapsular surgical excision without parotidectomy. Permanent histopathology and immunohistochemistry reports diagnosed the mass as schwannoma. There were no complications including facial palsy after surgery. No recurrence was found at 6 months after surgery
Adenoma, Pleomorphic ; Axons ; Biopsy ; Diagnosis ; Facial Muscles ; Facial Nerve ; Facial Paralysis ; Female ; Head ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Middle Aged ; Neck ; Neurilemmoma ; Parotid Gland ; Recurrence ; Schwann Cells

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective observational study was performed. PURPOSE: We investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia in dropped head syndrome (DHS), and the relationship between biochemical markers, including major advanced glycation end products (AGEs), pentosidine, and DHS in older women. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: AGEs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia. METHODS: We studied 13 elderly women with idiopathic DHS (mean age, 77.2 years) and 20 healthy volunteers (mean age, 74.8 years). We used a bioelectrical impedance analyzer to analyze body composition, including appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (SMI; appendicular lean mass [kg]/[height (m)]2). Cervical sagittal plane alignment, including C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis (C2–C7SVA), C2–C7 angle, and C2 slope (C2S), was measured. Biochemical markers, such as serum and urinary pentosidine, serum homocysteine, 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, were measured. The level of each variable was compared between DHS and controls. The relationship between biochemical markers and DHS was examined. RESULTS: Sarcopenia (SMI < 5.75) was observed at a high prevalence in participants with DHS (77% compared to 22% of healthy controls). Height, weight, femoral bone mineral density, appendicular lean mass, total lean mass, and SMI all had significantly lower values in the DHS group. Serum and urinary pentosidine, and serum homocysteine were significantly higher in the DHS group compared to controls. Analysis of cervical alignment revealed a significant positive correlation of serum pentosidine with C2–C7SVA and C2S. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia was involved in DHS, and high serum pentosidine levels are associated with severity of DHS in older women.
Aged ; Biomarkers ; Body Composition ; Bone Density ; Electric Impedance ; Female ; Glycosylation End Products, Advanced ; Head ; Healthy Volunteers ; Homocysteine ; Humans ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Neck Muscles ; Observational Study ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Sarcopenia

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical parameters correlated with early recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy, with a focus on urethral mobility during pelvic contraction at catheter removal. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 67 patients who underwent prostatectomy for prostate cancer at Jeju National University Hospital from January 2015 to June 2018. At the time of catheter removal, a cystography was performed in 67 men (median age, 65 years; range, 55–76 years) who had undergone robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. The vertical length of bladder neck movement between relaxing and contracting the pelvic muscles was measured. The correlation between the rate of continence recovery and the length of urethral movement was also assessed. All participants were divided into 2 groups according to the length of bladder neck elevation. Group 1 had ≥0.6 cm of elevation, while group 2 demonstrated <0.6 cm of elevation. RESULTS: A reverse correlation existed between the length of urethral movement and the recovery rate of urinary continence (r=–0.488, P<0.001). The optimal cutoff value for length of urethral movement was found to be 0.6 cm among patients (area under the curve, 0.703). A statistically significant difference was observed between group 1 (length≥0.6 cm) and group 2 (<0.6 cm) (P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that urethral movement predicted the postoperative urinary incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of bladder neck elevation after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, which can be easily evaluated using cystography, may be a good predictor of the recovery of urinary continence.
Catheters ; Humans ; Male ; Muscles ; Neck ; Prospective Studies ; Prostatectomy ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Incontinence

Torticollis is an abnormal, asymmetric head or neck position which usually caused by imbalance of paracervical muscles. The traumatic torticollis can be caused by following events; atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation, atlantoaxial dislocation, cervical vertebral fractures, and injury to the cervical musculature. Especially, acute traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation usually presents limitation of cervical range of motion without pain or neurologic deficit. We report a case of a 58 year-old man who developed the acute atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation right after the chiropractic therapy, which induced the limitation of cervical range of motion to 52.5% of normal range. The magnetic resonance image revealed the facture of the odontoid process and the partial injury in transverse ligaments of the atlas. He underwent intramuscular botulinum toxin injection and 10 days of continuous cervical traction 15 hours a day using a 5 kg weight. The range of the cervical motion restored up to 90.2% of normal range.
Atlanto-Axial Joint ; Botulinum Toxins ; Chiropractic ; Dislocations ; Head ; Ligaments ; Muscles ; Neck ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Odontoid Process ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Reference Values ; Torticollis ; Traction