Pain sensitization and atrophy of deep cervical muscles in patients with chronic tension-type headache

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the pressure pain threshold and the thickness of the cervical muscles in patients with tension-type headache versus healthy participants. METHODS: An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Universidad Europea de Madrid between May and June 2022. Adults aged 18-65 years with tension-type headache diagnosed for more than 6 months were compared to healthy controls. B-mode ultrasound imaging was employed to measure the thickness of the neck stabilizing muscles, longus colli, and multifidus at the C5 and C6 levels, respectively. pressure pain threshold measurements were assessed bilaterally in the following regions: upper trapezius, masseter, temporalis, anterior tibialis, and median nerve. RESULTS: A total of 40 participants (90% females; 36.3±12.9 years, BMI 24.2±3.7 kg/m2) participated in the study. Compared with the control group (n=20), participants in the tension-type headache group (n=20) presented statistically significant lower values in all pressure pain threshold measures. Additionally, the tension-type headache group presented statistically significant lower values in the thickness of the following muscles: right multifidus at rest (1.0±0.2 cm versus 1.3±0.2 cm; p<0.001), left multifidus at rest (1.1±0.1 cm versus 1.3±0.1 cm; p<0.001) and during contraction (1.2±0.1 cm versus 1.5±0.2 cm; p<0.001), left longus colli at rest (1.0±0.2 cm versus 1.2±0.1 cm; p=0.01) and during contraction (1.2±0.2 cm versus 1.4±0.1 cm; p<0.001), and right longus colli during contraction (1.2±0.2 cm versus 1.4±0.2 cm; p=0.02). CONCLUSION: This study concluded that patients with tension-type headache showed lower thickness and lower pressure pain threshold of cervical muscles compared to healthy controls.

Observation on the efficacy of traditional Qigong exercise combined with Tuina manipulations in treating lower cervical disc herniation / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the efficacy of traditional Qigong exercise combined with Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)manipulations in treating lower cervical disc herniation(CDH).Methods:A total of 120 CDH patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 60 cases in each group.Patients in both groups were given the same Tuina manipulations.In addition,patients in the observation group practiced traditional Qigong exercise,and those in the control group did conventional neck exercise.After 8 weeks of treatment,the efficacy of the two groups was observed.Follow-up was conducted 3 months after the end of the treatment to record any recurrence.Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P＜0.05).The improvement in symptom scores was more significant in the observation group than in the control group(P＜0.05).There was inter-group statistical significance in comparing the cross-sectional area and fatty infiltration of certain cervical muscles(P＜0.05).In addition,the recurrence rate in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:On the basis of the same Tuina manipulation treatment,the efficacy of traditional Qigong exercise in treating CDH is superior to that of conventional neck exercise,with more significant improvements in pain and quality of life and a lower recurrence rate.

Tendon-regulating and bone-setting manipulation plus endurance resistance exercises for female with chronic neck pain / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of tendon-regulating and bone-setting manipulation combined with endurance resistance exercises in treating female with chronic neck pain, and explore the mechanism. Methods: A total of 57 female patients with chronic neck pain who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a manipulation group (29 cases) and a medium-frequency electrotherapy group (28 cases). Patients in both groups received the same endurance exercise therapy, while those in the manipulation group received additional tendon-regulating and bone-setting manipulation, and those in the medium-frequency electrotherapy group received additional medium-frequency electrotherapy. Both groups were treated for 5 weeks. Before and after treatment, the neck function of patients was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS), Analgesy-Meter, Northwick Park questionnaire (NPQ), root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF) of surface electromyography of sternocleidomastoid muscle and posterior cervical extensor muscle, and the patients were followed up at a month after treatment. Results: All patients completed the treatment and were followed up. Compared with the same group before treatment, the VAS scores of both groups decreased, the tenderness values increased, the RMS and MF values increased, and the NPQ scores decreased after treatment (all P<0.05). The improvement of manipulation group was more notable than that of medium-frequency electrotherapy group (all P<0.05). At one-month follow-up, the VAS and NPQ scores of the manipulation group were lower than those before and after treatment, and the VAS and NPQ scores of the medium-frequency electrotherapy group were only lower than those before treatment; the two scores of the manipulation group were lower than those of the medium-frequency electrotherapy group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Tendon-regulating and bone-setting manipulation combined with endurance resistance exercises can relieve neck pain and cervical dysfunction in female patients with chronic neck pain. The efficacy of this method is more durable and better than that of medium-frequency electrotherapy combined with endurance exercises.

Clinical and electrophysiological study of neck myoclonus during sleep / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To discuss the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of neck myoclonus during sleep.Methods:The clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of 31 patients in the Electroencephalography Monitoring Center of Xijing Hospital from January 2020 to August 2020 were studied retrospectively. All the patients received video-polysomnography and video-electroencephalography.Results:There were 22 males (71%) and nine females (29%) in the 31 patients. The mean age of the patients at the time of inclusion in the study was 27.8 years. Neck myoclonus was most common in patients with narcolepsy ( n=8), followed by epilepsy ( n=4), obstructive sleep apnea syndrome ( n=4), anxiety and depression ( n=3), snoring ( n=3), etc. A total of 555 motor events were considered and analyzed, 89.5% (497/555) of which occurred during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The mean neck myoclonus index in REM sleep (5.8) was significantly higher than that in non-rapid eye movement sleep (0.2). Totally 48.3% (268/555) of neck myoclonus were accompanied by an arousal, 0.7% (4/555) by a full awakening, and 2.7% (15/555) by limb movements. Conclusions:Neck myoclonus is common during REM sleep, which can occur in patients with sleep disorders and epilepsy. Physiological or pathological significance of neck myoclonus has to be investigated in further studies.

Comparison of the muscle activity in the normal and forward head postures based on the pressure level during cranio-cervical flexion exercises

PURPOSE: This paper proposes proper and effective neck exercises by comparing the deep and superficial cervical flexor muscle activities and thickness according to the pressure level during cranio-cervical flexion exercises between a normal posture group and forward head posture group. METHODS: A total of 20 subjects (8 males and 12 females) without neck pain and disabilities were selected. The subjects' craniovertebral angles were measured; they were divided into a normal posture and a forward head posture group. During cranio-cervical flexion exercises, the thickness of the deep cervical flexor neck muscle and the activity of the surface neck muscles were measured using ultrasound and EMG. RESULTS: The results showed that the thickening of the deep cervical flexor was increased significantly to 28 and 30 mmHg in the forward head posture group. The sternocleidomastoid muscle activity increased significantly to 24, 26, 28, and 30 mmHg in the forward head posture group. The anterior scalene muscle activity increased significantly to 26, 28, and 30mmHg in the forward head posture group. A significant difference of 26, 28, and 30 mmHg in the sternocleidomastoid and anterior scalene muscles was observed between two groups. CONCLUSION: To prevent a forward head posture and maintain proper cervical curve alignment, the use of the superficial cervical flexor muscles must be minimized. In addition, to perform a cranio-cervical flexion exercises to effectively activate the deep cervical flexor muscles, 28 and 30 mmHg for normal posture adults and 28 mmHg for adults with forward head postures are recommended.

Muscle activity during low-speed rear impact / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Whiplash associated disorders remain a major health problem in terms of impact on health care and on societal costs. Aetiology remains controversial including the old supposition that the cervical muscles do not play a significant role. This study examined the muscle activity from relevant muscles during rear-end impacts in an effort to gauge their influence on the aetiology of whiplash associated disorders.@*METHODS@#Volunteers were subjected to a sub-injury level of rear impact. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to record cervical muscle activity before, during and after impact. Muscle response time and EMG signal amplitude were analysed. Head, pelvis, and T1 acceleration data were recorded.@*RESULTS@#The activities of the cervical muscles were found to be significant. The sternocleidomastoideus, trapezius and erector spinae were activated on average 59 ms, 73 ms and 84 ms after the impact stimulus, respectively, prior to peak head acceleration (113 ms).@*CONCLUSION@#The cervical muscles reacted prior to peak head acceleration, thus in time to influence whiplash biomechanics and possibly injury mechanisms. It is recommended therefore, that muscular influences be incorporated into the development of the new rear-impact crash test dummy in order to make the dummy as biofidelic as possible.

Advance in Whiplash-associated Disorders (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Whiplash-associated disorders usually appear as symptoms of neck pain, headache, and limited cervical spine activities, etc. Its mechanism is complicated, which is related with the sudden acceleration-deceleration mechanism conducted to the cervical vertebral joint, ligaments, muscles and nerves. Recently, it was found that low capacity of cerebrospinal fluid, fibromyalgia, and injury of central nervous system are also associated with those symptoms. The focus of exercise on equal length contraction and endurance of neck deep muscles can significantly improve the symptoms of patients without neurological injury. Ultrasound can be used to dynamically detect deformation and deformation rate patterns of both deep and shallow muscle in the exercise group and the conservative observation group. It is suggested that exercise can improve muscle movement patterns and repair damaged neck muscles at the same time.

Elevated Levels of Serum Pentosidine Are Associated with Dropped Head Syndrome in Older Women

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective observational study was performed. PURPOSE: We investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia in dropped head syndrome (DHS), and the relationship between biochemical markers, including major advanced glycation end products (AGEs), pentosidine, and DHS in older women. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: AGEs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia. METHODS: We studied 13 elderly women with idiopathic DHS (mean age, 77.2 years) and 20 healthy volunteers (mean age, 74.8 years). We used a bioelectrical impedance analyzer to analyze body composition, including appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (SMI; appendicular lean mass [kg]/[height (m)]2). Cervical sagittal plane alignment, including C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis (C2–C7SVA), C2–C7 angle, and C2 slope (C2S), was measured. Biochemical markers, such as serum and urinary pentosidine, serum homocysteine, 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, were measured. The level of each variable was compared between DHS and controls. The relationship between biochemical markers and DHS was examined. RESULTS: Sarcopenia (SMI < 5.75) was observed at a high prevalence in participants with DHS (77% compared to 22% of healthy controls). Height, weight, femoral bone mineral density, appendicular lean mass, total lean mass, and SMI all had significantly lower values in the DHS group. Serum and urinary pentosidine, and serum homocysteine were significantly higher in the DHS group compared to controls. Analysis of cervical alignment revealed a significant positive correlation of serum pentosidine with C2–C7SVA and C2S. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia was involved in DHS, and high serum pentosidine levels are associated with severity of DHS in older women.

Técnica inovadora para tratamento de flacidez cervical com fio mononylon para sustentação transmastoide / Innovative technique for the treatment of cervical laxity with mononylon thread for trans-mastoid support

Existem muitos procedimentos para o rejuvenescimento da região cervical; os mais invasivos, porém, como a ritidectomia, podem gerar cicatrizes inestéticas relativamente grandes. Em contrapartida, procedimentos pouco invasivos, como os clássicos fios de sustentação absorvíveis, não têm efeito significativo no tratamento das bandas platismais mais evidentes. Visando solucionar o problema da pouca durabilidade relacionada aos fios de sustentação e eliminar a cicatriz submentoniana indesejável causada pela ritidoplastia, descreve-se uma técnica pouco invasiva para tratamento da flacidez cervical, que pode ser usada isoladamente em pacientes com pouca redundância de pele, ou associada ao minilifting nos pacientes com muita flacidez.

There are many procedures for the rejuvenation of the cervical region. Nevertheless, the most invasive ones ­ such as the rhytidectomy ­ can lead to relatively large unaesthetic scars. In contrast, noninvasive procedures ­ such as the classic absorbable lifting threads ­ have no significant effect on the treatment of the most evident platysmal bands. Aiming at solving the problem of short durability linked to the lifting threads and eliminating the undesirable submental scar caused by rhytidoplasty, a less invasive technique is described for the treatment of cervical laxity. This technique can be used isolatedly in patients with small amounts of skin redundancy, or associated to mini face lifts in patients with considerable sagginess.

Intramuscular Hemangioma of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: An Unusual Neck Mass / 대한이비인후과학회지

Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors in infancy, occurring most often on cutaneous and mucosal surfaces. Although less than 1% of hemangiomas occur in skeletal muscle, 15% of intramuscular hemangiomas arise in the head and neck musculature. Less than 10 cases of the sternocleidomastoid muscle have been reported in the English literatures. The masseter muscle is most commonly involved in the head and neck. Clinically, these tumors are present as distinct, localized, rubbery swelling. Neck computed tomography scan with enhancement may suggest a vascular mass within the muscle while angiography may detect feeding arteries in large intramuscular hemangiomas. The treatment of the hemangiomas is based on location, accessibility, depth of invasion, age, and cosmetic considerations. The optimal treatment is complete wide resection including the cuff of surrounding muscle. We report a case of hemangioma that occurred in the sternocleidomastoid muscle along with a with literature review.

Intra and inter-rater reliability of ultrasonographic evaluation of longus colli muscle in women with migraine / Confiabilidade intra e interexaminadores da avaliação ultrassonográfica do músculo longo do pescoço em mulheres com migrânea

Objetivo: Determinar a confiabilidade intra e interexaminadores das medidas ultrassonográficas do músculo longo do pescoço em mulheres com e sem migrânea. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, avaliando 20 mulheres com idade entre 20 e 24 anos (22 ± 2). Foram realizadas duas avaliações ultrassonográficas da área de secção transversa (cm2) do músculo longo do pescoço, em repouso e em contração com intervalo de uma semana entre elas, por dois examinadores cegos. Para análise estatística, foram utilizados o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC) e os limites de concordância. Resultados: A confiabilidade intraexaminador do grupo com migrânea, em repouso e contração, foi excelente à direita e moderada à esquerda; no grupo sem migrânea variou de excelente (0,93) no repouso, à pobre (0,35) na contração. A confiabilidade interexaminadores foi excelente (ICC > 0,75) à direita e à esquerda, no repouso, em ambos os grupos. Na contração, variou de moderada (ICC = 0,71), no lado esquerdo no grupo sem migrânea, à excelente (ICC > 0,75) nas demais mensurações. Foram observados baixos limites de concordância dos intervalos de confiança em todas as medidas. Conclusão: Foram observados baixos limites de concordância, de acordo com o intervalo de confiança, na confiabilidade das medidas ultrassonográficas do músculo longo do pescoço em mulheres com migrânea. (AU)

Objective: To determine intra and inter-rater reliability of ultrasonographic measures of the longus colli muscle in women with and without migraine. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 20 women aged between 20 and 24 years (22 ± 2). Two ultrasonographic assessments, conducted one week apart by two blind examiners, were made of the crosssectional area (cm2) of the longus colli muscle, at rest and in contraction. Statistical analysis used the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and limits of agreement. Results: Intra-rater reliability in the group with migraine, at rest and in contraction, was excellent on the right and moderate on the left; in the group without migraine it ranged from excellent (0.93) at rest to poor (0.35) in contraction. Inter-rater reliability was excellent (ICC > 0.75) at rest on the right and left, in both groups. In contraction, it ranged from moderate (ICC = 0.71) on the left in the group without migraine to excellent (ICC > 0.75) in the other measurements. Low limits of agreement were observed for the confidence intervals in all the measures. Conclusion: According to the confidence interval, low limits of agreement were observed, regarding the reliability of ultrasonographic measures of the longus colli muscle in women with migraine.(AU)

Unusual muscle of the anterior neck: cadaveric findings with surgical applications / 대한해부학회지

The omohyoid muscle typically has an inferior belly originating from the superior border of the scapula, and then passes deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle where its superior belly passes almost vertically upward next to the lateral border of sternohyoid to attach to the inferior border of the body of the hyoid bone lateral to the insertion of sternohyoid. Herein, we report an unusual variant of the omohyoid and sternohyoid muscles. As the omohyoid muscle is commonly used as a surgical landmark during neck dissections, knowledge of its variations such as the one described in the current report is important to surgeons.

What is the outcome 5 years after cervicoplasty? / O que muda no resultado de uma cervicoplastia 5 anos depois?

Introduction: An approach based on multiple anatomical structures and the use of different surgical strategies seems to achieve more lasting results in cervical rejuvenation surgery. Thus, extended cervicoplasty is an option with favorable results and low complication rates. However, little has been published regarding the durability of the results. This study aimed to objectively evaluate the long-term results obtained with extended cervicoplasty in difficult cases. Methods: Twenty patients, classified as having a "difficult neck," underwent extended cervicoplasty and were followed for 5 years. The results at 1- and 5-year post-operative follow-up were evaluated by eight plastic surgeons, using six objective criteria based on a theoretically ideal neck. The comparison of the results obtained at these time points was performed using a paired Student's t-test, with a level of significance of 5%. Results: There was no significant difference in five of the six items evaluated (p-value ranging from 0.137 to 1.000), in the comparison between the first and fifth postoperative years. Subhyoid depression displayed a significantly better mean score in the fifth evaluation year than that observed in the first year after surgery (p = 0.039): from 5.80 ± 0.25 points (mean ± standard error of the mean) in the first year, to 6.45 ± 0.30 points in the fifth postoperative year. Conclusion: Extended cervicoplasty is an important alternative in the treatment of the neck region, and even provides lasting results in difficult cases.

Introdução: A abordagem de múltiplas estruturas anatômicas e a utilização de diferentes estratégias cirúrgicas parece contribuir para a obtenção de resultados mais duradouros na cirurgia do rejuvenescimento cervical. Para isso, a cervicoplastia ampliada é uma opção com resultados agradáveis e baixos índices de complicações. A durabilidade dos resultados obtidos é, no entanto, pouco discutida na literatura. O objetivo desse estudo é avaliar objetivamente a manutenção dos resultados a longo prazo obtidos com a cervicoplastia ampliada aplicada em casos difíceis. Métodos: Vinte pacientes, classificadas como "pescoço difícil", foram submetidas à cervicoplastia ampliada e acompanhadas por 5 anos. Os resultados do pós-operatório de 1 e de 5 anos foram avaliados por oito cirurgiões plásticos, por meio de seis critérios objetivos vinculados a um teórico pescoço ideal. A comparação entre os resultados obtidos nestes momentos foi realizada por meio do teste t-student pareado, considerando um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa em cinco dos seis itens avaliados (valor de p variando entre 0,137 a 1,000), na comparação entre o primeiro e o quinto ano de pós-operatório. A depressão subhioideia apresentou pontuação média na avaliação do quinto ano significativamente melhor do que aquela observada no primeiro ano após a cirurgia (p = 0,039), passando de 5,80 ± 0,25 pontos (média ± erro padrão da média) no primeiro ano, para 6,45 ± 0,30 pontos no quinto ano de pós-operatório. Conclusão: A cervicoplastia ampliada se valida como alternativa importante no tratamento da região cervical mesmo em casos difíceis, proporcionando a obtenção de resultados duradouros.

Ultrasonographic Measurement of Thickness of the Thyrohyoid Muscle: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the normal thickness of the thyrohyoid muscle, which is one of the key muscles related to swallowing, by ultrasonography. METHODS: The thickness of the left and right thyrohyoid muscles was measured in normal male and female adults ranging in age from 20 to 79 years by ultrasonography. The groups were classified according to age as follows: subjects ranging in age from 20 to 39 years were classified into group A, subjects ranging in age from 40 to 59 years were classified into group B, and subjects ranging in age from 60 to 79 years were classified into group C. The measurement level was the line that joins the upper tip of the superior thyroid notch and the oblique line of the thyroid cartilage. Also, a correlation with the thyrohyoid muscle was investigated by collecting information regarding height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and gender of subjects in the healthy group. RESULTS: The number of subjects in each group was as follows: group A (n=82), group B (n=62), and group C (n=60). Also, the thicknesses of the left and right muscles were 2.72±0.65 mm and 2.87±0.76 mm in group A, 2.83±0.61 mm and 2.93±0.67 mm in group B, and 2.59±054 mm and 2.73±0.55 mm in group C, respectively. Thyrohyoid muscle had a correlation with height, weight, and BMI. The thickness of the left and right thyrohyoid muscles was greater in male subjects than in female subjects and the right side muscle was thicker than the left side muscle. CONCLUSION: The average thickness of the left and right thyrohyoid muscles was 3.20±0.54 mm in male subjects and 2.34±0.37 mm in female subjects. The thickness of the thyrohyoid muscle was positively correlated with height, weight, and BMI, and the thyrohyoid muscle was thicker in male subjects than in female subjects and the right side muscle was thicker than the left side muscle.

Analysis of dimensions, activation and median frequency of cervical flexor muscles in young women with migraine or tension-type headache

Background: Central and peripheral mechanisms may be involved in migraine and tension-type headache pathogenesis, however the role of muscle disorders in their pathophysiological mechanisms remains unclear. Objectives: To assess the association between the presence of migraine or tension-type headache and changes in longus colli muscle dimensions and sternocleidomastoid muscle activity. Method: An observational study with 48 women comparing the following groups: migraine (n=21), tension-type headache (n=16), and control (n=11). The cross-sectional area, lateral and anteroposterior dimensions, and shape ratio of the longus colli muscle were measured using ultrasound. The activation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle was assessed by signal amplitude and the decline in median frequency using surface electromyographic analysis. Results: The dimensions of the longus colli muscle did not differ between groups (p>0.05). Post-test analysis showed lower sternocleidomastoid muscle activation on both sides, at the onset of contraction, in the group with tension-type headache when compared to the control group {right sternocleidomastoid [tension-type headache: 0.39 (0.30-0.49); control: 0.58 (0.42-0.76); p=0.026] and left sternocleidomastoid [tension-type headache: 0.39 (0.31-0.48); control: 0.60 (0.42-0.79); p=0.039], Tukey's post hoc test}. There was no difference between the three groups in sternocleidomastoid muscle activation, on both sides, at the end of contraction (p>0.05). Intergroup analysis showed no difference in the rate of decline in median frequency (p>0.05). Conclusion: The group with tension-type headache exhibited less activation at the onset of sternocleidomastoid muscle contraction. No association was observed between the presence of headache and alterations in longus colli muscle dimensions, median frequency, and sternocleidomastoid muscle activation at the end of contraction. .

Platismotomia fechada: revisão de 7 anos / Closed platysmotomy: a 7-year review

INTRODUÇÃO: A abordagem da região cervical permanece desafiadora ao longo dos tempos. A platismotomia fechada, proposta por Daher, é uma técnica minimamente invasiva, que oferece uma alternativa viável para abordagem da região cervical, com pequenas taxas de complicações e resultados duradouros ao longo dos anos. Avaliar as recorrências das bandas platismais ao longo dos anos, avaliado os resultados após 7 anos. MÉTODOS: Avaliação fotográfica por um Cirurgião Plástico isento, que não conhecia as pacientes, quanto ao número de recidivas em 7 anos de cirurgia, em pacientes operados em nosso serviço, todas do sexo feminino. A análise foi feita por meio de documentação fotográfica, sendo os resultados classificados em excelentes, satisfatórios e insatisfatórios. Não houve participação das pacientes na avaliação. RESULTADOS: Os índices de recidiva após 7 anos de cirurgia encontrados são semelhantes aos encontrados em técnicas já consagradas. 57% dos casos considerados excelentes, 29% satisfatórios e 14% insatisfatórios. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica da platismotomia fechada é uma alternativa válida, com resultados duradouros, e com a vantagem de ser um procedimento com menos comorbidades quando comparado com as técnicas existentes, mantendo-se os índices de recidiva ao longo dos anos semelhantes com outras técnicas mais invasivas.

INTRODUCTION: The approach of the cervical region has remained challenging over the years. The closed platysmotomy technique, proposed by Daher, is a minimally invasive technique that offers a viable alternative to the approach of the cervical region, with low complication rates and lasting results over the years. The objective is to evaluate recurrent cases of platysmal bands over the years, including 7-year results. METHODS: Photographic assessment was performed by a plastic surgeon blinded to the patient characteristics and the number of recurrences 7 years after surgery in all the female patients who underwent operation in our institution. The analysis was performed based on photographic documentation, and the results were classified as excellent, satisfactory, and unsatisfactory. The assessment did not involve patient participation. RESULTS: The recurrence rates 7 years after surgery were similar to those found in traditional techniques. Of the cases, 57% were classified as excellent; 29%, as satisfactory; and 14%, as unsatisfactory. CONCLUSION: The closed platysmotomy technique is a valid alternative, with lasting results and the advantage of being a procedure with comorbidities fewer than those associated with the existing techniques, displaying similar recurrence rates over the years with other more invasive techniques.

Occurrence of Three Headed Sternocleidomastoid Muscle and a Common Thyro-Linguo-Facial Vein – A Case Report

Variant anatomy of muscles and veins of the neck is of importance to plastic surgeons, radiologists and general surgeons. We report the variations of sternocleidomastoid muscle and veins of the neck in the present article. Right sternocleidomastoid muscle had three heads of origin. The third head took its origin from the clavicle just lateral to the usual clavicular head. All the three heads were about 4 inches long and united with each other at the level of thyroid cartilage. There was no external jugular vein on the right side. The retromandibular vein united with facial vein to form common facial vein. Common facial vein joined with superior thyroid and lingual veins to form a thyrolinguo-facial trunk one inch below the angle of mandible. This trunk was about 2 inches long and terminated into the internal jugular vein. Knowledge of this case could be useful while raising a sternocleidomastoid flap, administering anesthesia to brachial plexus, neck surgeries and carotid endarterectomy.

Different Movement of Hyolaryngeal Structures by Various Application of Electrical Stimulation in Normal Individuals

OBJECTIVE: To identify the differences in the movement of the hyoid bone and the vocal cord with and without electrical stimulation in normal subjects. METHODS: Two-dimensional motion analysis using a videofluoroscopic swallowing study with and without electrical stimulation was performed. Surface electrical stimulation was applied during swallowing using electrodes placed at three different locations on each subject. All subjects were analyzed three times using the following electrode placements: with one pair of electrodes on the suprahyoid muscles and a second pair on the infrahyoid muscles (SI); with placement of the electrode pairs on only the infrahyoid muscles (IO); and with the electrode pairs placed vertically on the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles (SIV). RESULTS: The main outcomes of this study demonstrated an initial downward displacement as well as different movements of the hyoid bone with the three electrode placements used for electrical stimulation. The initial positions of the hyoid bone with the SI and IO placements resulted in an inferior and anterior displaced position. During swallowing, the hyoid bone moved in a more superior and less anterior direction, resulting in almost the same peak position compared with no electrical stimulation. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that electrical stimulation caused an initial depression of the hyoid bone, which had nearly the same peak position during swallowing. Electrical stimulation during swallowing was not dependent on the position of the electrode on the neck, such as on the infrahyoid or on both the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles.

Neck muscle atrophy and soft-tissue fibrosis after neck dissection and postoperative radiotherapy for oral cancer

Late complications of head and neck cancer survivors include neck muscle atrophy and soft-tissue fibrosis. We present an autopsy case of neck muscle atrophy and soft-tissue fibrosis (sternocleidomastoid, omohyoid, digastric, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, and platysma muscles) within the radiation field after modified radical neck dissection type I and postoperative radiotherapy for floor of mouth cancer. A 70-year-old man underwent primary tumor resection of the left floor of mouth, left marginal mandibulectomy, left modified radical neck dissection type I, and reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap. The patient received adjuvant radiotherapy. The dose to the primary tumor bed and involved neck nodes was 63 Gy in 35 fractions over 7 weeks. Areas of subclinical disease (left lower neck) received 50 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not administered.

An Intramuscular Hemangioma at the Cervical Muscle: A Case Report

Intramuscular hemangioma (IMH) primarily develops in the skeletal muscles of the limbs or trunk. The occurrence of IMH in the neck muscle is very rare. In the present report, we describe a case of IMH in the posterior neck muscle. A 58-year-old woman presented with a mass on the right posterior neck area, which had developed 2 years previously. The tumor was round in shape, had a size of 3.5x3.0 cm, and was fixed to the surrounding soft tissue. The patient complained of mild dull pain and tenderness at the mass without reddish discoloration. The mass showed a diurnal variation in size - the mass grew in size in the morning and became smaller in the afternoon. Preoperative study confirmed the vascular nature of the tumor. During peritumoral dissection, the mass shrank rapidly following profuse bleeding and arterial cauterization, and hence, it was difficult to distinguish the mass from the surrounding tissues. A total resection was possible with careful dissection of its fibrotic boundary. Based on the histological findings, a definitive diagnosis of cavernous type IMH was made. An initial suspicion of IMH, according to the clinical findings, would be helpful for decision making of further evaluations and surgical plan.