Anatomical study of greater occipital nerve entrapment syndrome / 中国综合临床

ABSTRACT

ObjecUve To provide anatomical basis for diagnosis and therapeutic methods for treating grea-ter occipital nerve entrapment syndrome.Methods With 10 multiples microscope,the trace,distribution,compres-sion and relationship with occipital vessel of greater occipital nerve were observed and measured on 60 specimens of adult corpse.With a vernier caliper the distance of the easily compressed part of greater occipital nerve with external occipital protuberance,mastoidal and superior nuchal line were measured,and the superficial projeetion of the easily compressed part was marked.Results The course of the nerve could be divided into two partsactive part and inac-tive part.The former laid in the nuchal muscles,the latter ran and anchored to superficial fascia of the scalp,and easily compressed,accompanying with occipital vessel.This point lay in medial to occipital vessel and lateral to ex-ternal occipital protuberance(27.60±5.20)mm,and inferior to superior nuchal line(18.46±5.12) mm,and the superficial projection lay in median and superior 1/3 of the line from external occipital protuberance to mastoid apex. Conclusion Treating the greater occipital nerve compression syndrome by closed operation,the best position for needling lays in a bit inferior to point of median and superior 1/3 of the line from external occipital protuberance to mastoid apex.During the operation we should loose the main trunk compression of the greater occipital nerve as well as the branches compression on it.