Summary
This study introduces the first description of changes visualized in trigger points located in skeletal muscle during ultrasound-guided trigger point injection (TPI). Ten patients with trigger points in the anterior abdominal muscles were included, and real-time ultrasound imaging was used to scan the palpable trigger points in both longitudinal and transverse planes.
The study observed visible changes in the underlying muscle containing the palpable trigger points in all patients.
The trigger point appeared as a mixed echoic area in the rectus muscle, becoming more prominent upon injection of a local anesthetic solution. The needle sign was positive in nine patients. All patients experienced complete pain relief immediately after the procedure, with over 50% relief on follow-up at 12 weeks.
