Ultrasound analysis of cervical paraspinal muscles for needle EMG examination.

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound was used to determine optimal needle insertion parameters and assess the vasculature of paraspinal muscles at C5-T1 spinal levels across patients with different body mass indices (BMIs).

METHODS

Thirty patients underwent ultrasound examination of the cervical paraspinal muscles at the C5-T1 levels. Images were analyzed to determine the optimal distance and angle of needle insertion to reach the base of the right lamina. Color and spectral Doppler analysis were used to identify and map paraspinal blood vessels.

RESULTS

Mean distances and angles varied from 35.1 mm and 17.27 degrees for the low BMI group at C5 to 65.1 mm and 9.85 degrees for the high BMI group at T1. Paraspinal blood vessel mapping revealed a random distribution of vasculature.

CONCLUSIONS

Longer distances and steeper angles of needle insertion are required for patients with higher BMIs. Cervical paraspinal arteries vary in distribution and can be visualized with ultrasound.