J Korean Ster Func Neurosurg.  2021 Jun;17(1):38-42. 10.52662/jksfn.2021.00024.

The effect of integrated injection techniques for the serratus posterior superior muscle on interscapular pain, upper extremity pain, and paresthesia

• Mun HY
• Sirh SJ
• Sirh SW
• Sirh HM

• KMID: 2534570
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.52662/jksfn.2021.00024

Abstract

The aims of this study were to establish the role of the serratus posterior superior (SPS) muscle in patients with thoracic (interscapular) back pain, upper extremity pain, and paresthesia refractory to conservative treatment and to propose an effective integrated injection therapy. In eight patients with chronic interscapular pain that had lasted for more than 6 months, we delicately palpated the interscapular area in the gentle hug position to diagnose the exact location of the lesion. A 22- to 25-mm, 30-gauge thin hypodermic needle was inserted at the tender point, and the needle was advanced until the needle tip touched the rib. Subsequently, a mixture of 0.5% lidocaine and 12.5% glucose was injected. Immediately after each procedure, the visual analogue scale score improved from ≥7–8/10 to 0–2/10 and then to 0–1 after the completion of all treatments. The total number of treatments was 5–10, and the total treatment period did not exceed 2 months. The SPS muscle is important in patients with interscapular pain, upper extremity pain, and paresthesia. We propose repetitive and integrated injection therapy as a safe and effective treatment without the need for steroids, fluoroscopy, or ultrasound guidance.

Keyword

Serratus posterior superior; Thoracic back pain; Arm paresthesia; Injections