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Anatomical Accuracy of Palpation-Guided Dry Needling in Lateral Epicondylitis
Sponsor: nurmuhammet tas
Summary
This prospective study evaluated the anatomical accuracy of palpation-guided dry needling in patients with lateral epicondylitis using ultrasound verification. The study included 39 participants aged 18-70 years with lateral elbow pain lasting at least six weeks and at least one active myofascial trigger point in the forearm extensor muscles. The target muscle was selected based on the lowest pressure pain threshold among the evaluated muscles. Dry needling was performed using anatomical landmarks and palpation without real-time ultrasound guidance. Immediately after needle placement, an independent ultrasound assessor, blinded to the intended target muscle, identified the actual location of the needle tip. The primary outcome was the proportion of correctly placed needles in the intended target muscle. Accuracy was evaluated separately for the brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor carpi radialis longus, and extensor digitorum communis muscles.
Official title: Anatomical Accuracy of Palpation-Guided Dry Needling in Lateral Epicondylitis: An Ultrasound-Verified Study of Forearm Extensor Muscles
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 70 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
39
Start Date
2025-06-24
Completion Date
2025-07-30
Last Updated
2026-10-26
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Palpation-Guided Dry Needling With Ultrasound Verification
A single experienced physician performed palpation-guided dry needling of one selected forearm muscle (EDC, ECRB, ECRL, or BR) using a sterile Hua-Long 0.30 × 30 mm acupuncture needle. The target muscle was selected according to the lowest pressure pain threshold. Ultrasound was used to confirm algometer positioning before needling but was not used to guide needle insertion. Following a minimum 10-minute interval after algometric assessment, dry needling was performed using anatomical landmarks and palpation. Immediately after needle insertion, an independent sonographer, unaware of the intended target muscle, identified the needle-tip location using a 5-12 MHz linear ultrasound probe. Placement was classified as correct or incorrect according to whether the needle tip was located within the intended target muscle.
Locations (1)
Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)