Ultrasound Guided Acupuncture: A Case Series

Abstract

Acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine which involves introduction of specific needles in described sites into prescribed depths. A few apprehensions about this technique are the close proximity of the needles with vital structures and possible injuries. In the present paper, an attempt was made to use ultrasound which is a non invasive technique of identifying vital structures in two cases and to find out its utility. A 35-year-old, male history of alcoholism, presented with a wrist drop, was advised electroacupuncture where the needles were placed in the centre of the muscle bulk with ultrasound guidance to elicit good motor response. Another case, a 45-year-old female patient had tennis elbow where the superficial veins and nerves were avoided before pricking on selected sites. The response was as expected and normal. The first case had satisfactory motor recovery while the second one had adequate pain relief. There was neither bleeding from any site nor any other complications. A survey scan of the puncture site can be advised before inserting acupuncture needles. Ultrasound guided acupuncture is feasible without compromising the traditions. This concept becomes easier as ultrasound and acupuncture have been conveniently handled together by anaesthesiologists.