The nerve entry points (NEPs) cannot yet be accurately localized for the treatment of thigh adductor muscles spasticity in chemical neurolysis. The aim of this study was to identify the location and depth of the NEPs of thigh adductor muscles by spiral computed tomography (CT) and bony landmarks. Forty lower limbs of twenty adult cadavers were dissected in supine position. A curved line on skin surface from the tip of greater trochanter of femur to the center of pubic tubercle was designated as the horizontal reference line (H). Another curved line from the tip of great trochanter to the lateral epicondyle of femur was designated as the longitudinal reference line (L). Following dissection, the NEPs were labeled with barium sulfate, and their body surface projection points (P) were determined by spiral CT. Projection of NEP in the opposite direction was designated as P'. The percentage location of the intersections (PH and PL) of P with the H and L and the percentage depth of NEPs were determined with the Syngo system. The PH for the NEP of pectineus, gracilis, adductor longus, adductor brevis and adductor magnus muscles branch were located at 76.41±0.71 %, 93.85±2.07 %, 92.05±2.15 %, 80.75±1.20 % and 88.08±1.09 % of the H, respectively. The PLwere at 1.64±0.04 %, 29.89±1.90 %, 16.06±1.32 %, 11.66±0.11 % and 22.94±0.90 % of the L, respectively. The depth of NEP from P points were at 17.52±0.52 %, 38.38±2.75 %, 20.88±0.79 %, 20.35±0.82 % and 39.52±0.67 % of PP', respectively. These results help to carry out more precise localization of the NEPs. It should provide a novel anatomical guide for improving the efficacy and efficiency of chemical neurolysis in treating thigh adductor muscle spasticity.
KEY WORDS: Nerve entry points; Localization; Thigh adductor muscles; Spasticity; Spiral computed tomography.
