The nerve entry points (NEPs) cannot be accurately localized for the treatment of muscle spasticity in neurolysis. The aim of this study was to develop a new method of accurately localizing nerve entry points in relation to bony landmarks. NEPs in human cadavers were coated with barium sulfate. Method 1 consisted of horizontal and longitudinal reference lines being designated based on bony landmarks, followed by radiography and measurements using picture archiving and communication system software. Method 2 involved sewing the barium sulfate-soaked suture thread into the skin to designate the horizontal and longitudinal reference lines, followed by computed tomography (CT) scanning to determine the skin surface location and puncture depth for the NEPs. Using method 1, the bony landmarks and nerve muscular branches labeled with barium sulfate were clearly visualized by radiography. NEPs were localized using the reference lines, but the resultant points were not on the skin surface, and information was not provided regarding puncture depth. Method 2 resulted in the bony landmarks, NEPs, and reference lines being clearly visualized using CT imaging. The NEPs were successfully projected onto the skin surface and localized using reference lines that were measured along the curve of the skin. Furthermore, method 2 provided measurements of puncture depth. NEPs, including depths, can be accurately localized in cadavers using CT. Therefore, this novel method is recommended for localizing neurolysis target points.
KEY WORDS: Spasticity; Nerve entry points; Anatomy; X-ray; Localization.
