Effects of Intramuscular Electrical Stimulation Using Inversely Placed Electrodes on Myofascial Pain Syndrome in the Shoulder: A Case Series

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is one of the common musculoskeletal conditions of the shoulder which may develop sensory-motor and autonomic dysfunctions at the various level of the neuromuscular system. The pain and dysfunction caused by MPS were primarily treated with physical therapy and pharmacological agents in order to achieve painfree movements. However, in recent years intramuscular electrical stimulation (IMES) with conventional electrode placement was used by researchers to maximise therapeutic values. But, in this study an inverse electrode placement was used to deliver electrical impulses intramuscularly to achieve neuro-modulation at the various level of the nervous system. Nine patients with MPS were treated with intramuscular electrode stimulation using inversely placed electrodes for a period of three weeks. All nine subjects recovered from their shoulder pain and disability within the few weeks of intervention. So, this inverse electrode placement may be more appropriate for chronic pain management.

Bilateral variation in Branching of Axillary Artery.

Bilateral variations in the branching pattern of axillary artery were seen in a 78 year male cadaver during routine dissection. On the right side superior thoracic artery was a branch of second part of axillary artery. Additional pectoral branches were seen coming out of the second part on either side. Bilaterally from the second part a common trunk originated which gave rise to lateral thoracic and subscapular artery. On the left side an additional pectoral branch from the common trunk was present. From the third part on either side a muscular branch supplied the coracobrachialis muscle. On the right side from the third part of axillary artery a common trunk started and divided into anterior and posterior circumflex humeral arteries.