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Saglam L, Coskun O, Gunver MG, Kale A, Gayretli O. An anatomical analysis of the occipital nerve complex: an essential tool for the application of occipital nerve blocks. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:308. [PMID: 39217283 PMCID: PMC11365165 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03814-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occipital nerve blocks are essential in diagnosing and treating headache disorders such as migraine, cervicogenic headache, occipital neuralgia, and cluster headache. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential compression points of the greater occipital nerve (GON), third occipital nerve (TON), and lesser occipital nerve (LON) which are targeted to block in occipital nerve blocks and to develop a method to detect these points easily. METHODS To identify potential compression points of the GON, TON, and LON, we dissected 43, 41, and 26 cadavers, respectively. A rigid, transparent tool divided into 1 × 1 cm sections was placed on the external occipital protuberance to measure the determined points. The cadaveric head was viewed from above, vertically, and the coordinates corresponding to each point were noted separately. RESULTS Six, four, and one potential entrapment points were detected for the GON, TON, and LON, respectively. The distances of the point where the GON arose from the lower border of the obliquus capitis inferior muscle and the emerging point of the TON from the C2-C3 vertebrae to the posterior midline were statistically significant in terms of the sides (p = 0.040). Similarly, there was a statistical significance between genders for the distance of the point where the LON arose from the posterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle to the posterior midline (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS We believe that with the method developed, the GON, TON, and LON compression points can be easily localized and blocked in diagnosing and treating patients experiencing headaches such as migraines, cervicogenic headaches, occipital neuralgia, and cluster headache.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latif Saglam
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Millet Caddesi, Fatih, Istanbul, 34093, Turkey.
| | - Osman Coskun
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Millet Caddesi, Fatih, Istanbul, 34093, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Guven Gunver
- Department of Biostatistics, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aysin Kale
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Millet Caddesi, Fatih, Istanbul, 34093, Turkey
| | - Ozcan Gayretli
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Millet Caddesi, Fatih, Istanbul, 34093, Turkey
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Liu T, Liu J, Yang L, Wu Z, Zhang Y, Gao F. Ultrasound-guided lesser occipital nerve combined with great auricular nerve block for vestibular schwannoma craniotomy via a suboccipital retrosigmoid approach: a prospective, double-blind randomized controlled trial. BMC Anesthesiol 2024; 24:247. [PMID: 39033110 PMCID: PMC11264943 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-024-02642-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic efficacy and safety of lesser occipital nerve combined with great auricular nerve block (LOGAB) for craniotomy via a suboccipital retrosigmoid approach. METHODS Patients underwent vestibular schwannoma resection via a suboccipital retrosigmoid approach were randomly assigned to receive ultrasound-guided unilateral LOGAB with 5 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine (LOGAB group) or normal saline (NSB group). Numeric rating scale (NRS) scores at rest and motion were recorded within 48 h after surgery. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), opioid consumption and other variables were measured secondly. RESULTS Among 59 patients who were randomized, 30 patients received ropivacaine, and 29 patients received saline. NRS scores at rest (1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 3.2 ± 0.8, P = 0.002) and at motion (2.2 ± 0.7 vs. 3.2 ± 0.6, P = 0.013) of LOGAB group were lower than those of NSB group within 48 h after surgery. NRS scores of motion were comparable except for 6th and 12th hour (P < 0.05) in the LOGAB group. In LOGAB group, MAP decreased significantly during incision of skin and dura (P < 0.05) and intraoperative opoid consumption was remarkably reduced (P < 0.01). Postoperative remedial analgesia was earlier in the NSB group (P < 0.001). No patients reported any adverse events. CONCLUSION Among patients undergoing craniotomy for vestibular schwannoma via a suboccipital retrosigmoid approach, LOGAB may be a promising treatment for perioperative analgesia and has the potential to maintain intraoperative hemodynamic stability. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2000038798.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianzhu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiuhong Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zongfang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Hazewinkel MH, Knoedler L, Mathew PG, Remy K, Austen WG, Gfrerer L. Surgical Management of Headache Disorders - A Systematic Review of the Literature. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:191-202. [PMID: 38833038 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01342-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review article critically evaluates the latest advances in the surgical treatment of headache disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of innovative screening tools, such as doppler ultrasound, pain drawings, magnetic resonance neurography, and nerve blocks to help identify candidates for surgery. Machine learning has emerged as a powerful tool to predict surgical outcomes. In addition, advances in surgical techniques, including minimally invasive incisions, fat injections, and novel strategies to treat injured nerves (neuromas) have demonstrated promising results. Lastly, improved patient-reported outcome measures are evolving to provide a framework for comparison of conservative and invasive treatment outcomes. Despite these developments, challenges persist, particularly related to appropriate patient selection, insurance coverage, delays in diagnosis and surgical treatment, and the absence of standardized measures to assess and compare treatment impact. Collaboration between medical/procedural and surgical specialties is required to overcome these obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel Hj Hazewinkel
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Leonard Knoedler
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Paul G Mathew
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mass General Brigham Health, Foxborough, USA
- Department of Neurology, Atrius Health, Quincy, USA
| | - Katya Remy
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - William G Austen
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Lisa Gfrerer
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA.
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Saglam L, Coskun O, Gayretli O. Morphological and morphometric anatomy of the lesser occipital nerve and its possible clinical relevance. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5844. [PMID: 38462647 PMCID: PMC10925586 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55648-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The lesser occipital nerve (LON) has one of the most variations among occipital nerves. We aimed to investigate morphological and morphometric features of LON. A total of 24 cadavers, 14 males (58%) and 10 females (42%), were dissected bilaterally. LON was classified into 3 types. The number of branches and the perpendicular distances of the point where LON emerged from the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle to vertical and transverse lines passing through external occipital protuberance were determined. The shortest distance between LON and great auricular nerve (GAN), and linear distance of LON to its branching point were measured. The most common variant was Type 1 (30 sides, 62.5%), followed by Type 2 (12 sides, 25%) and Type 3 (6 sides, 12.5%), respectively. In males, Type 1 (22 sides, 78.6%) was the most common, while Type 1 (8 sides, 40%) and Type 2 (8 sides, 40%) were equally common and the most common in females. On 48 sides, 2-9 branches of LON were observed. The perpendicular distance of said point to vertical and transverse lines was meanly 63.69 ± 11.28 mm and 78.83 ± 17.21 mm, respectively. The shortest distance between LON and GAN was meanly 16.62 ± 10.59 mm. The linear distance of LON to its branching point was meanly 31.24 ± 15.95 mm. The findings reported in this paper may help clinicians in estimating the location of the nerve and/or its branches for block or decompression surgery as well as preservation of LON during related procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latif Saglam
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Millet Caddesi, Fatih, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Osman Coskun
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Millet Caddesi, Fatih, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozcan Gayretli
- Department of Anatomy, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Millet Caddesi, Fatih, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey
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Koliarakis I, Manatakis DK, Tsitsipanis C, Drakonaki E, Tsamandouras I, Tsiaoussis J. Spinal accessory nerve anatomy in the posterior cervical triangle: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Clin Anat 2024; 37:130-139. [PMID: 37767816 DOI: 10.1002/ca.24119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the anatomy of the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) in the posterior cervical triangle, especially in relation to adjacent anatomical landmarks, along with a systematic review of the current literature with a meta-analysis of the data. Overall, 22 cadaveric and three prospective intraoperative studies, with a total of 1346 heminecks, were included in the analysis. The major landmarks relevant to the entry of the SAN at the posterior border of the SCM muscle (PBSCM) were found to be the mastoid apex, the great auricular point (GAP), the nerve point (NP), and the point where the PBSCM meets the upper border of the clavicle. The SAN was reported to enter the posterior cervical triangle above GAP in 100% of cases and above NP in most cases (97.5%). The mean length of the SAN along its course from the entry point to its exit point from the posterior triangle of the neck was 4.07 ± 1.13 cm. The SAN mainly gave off 1 or 2 branches (32.5% and 31%, respectively) and received either no branches or one branch in most cases (58% and 23%, respectively) from the cervical plexus during its course in the posterior cervical triangle. The major landmarks relevant to the entry of the SAN at the anterior border of the TPZ muscle (ABTPZ) were found to be the point where the ABTPZ meets the upper border of the clavicle and the midpoint of the clavicle, along with the mastoid apex, the acromion, and the transverse distance of the SAN exit point to the PBSCM. The results of the present meta-analysis will be helpful to surgeons operating in the posterior cervical triangle, aiding the avoidance of the iatrogenic injury of the SAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Koliarakis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Christos Tsitsipanis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elena Drakonaki
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsamandouras
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - John Tsiaoussis
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Olla DR, Kemper KM, Brown AL, Mailey BA. Single midline incision approach for decompression of greater, lesser and third occipital nerves in migraine surgery. BMC Surg 2022; 22:232. [PMID: 35715794 PMCID: PMC9204865 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-022-01675-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The traditional approach for occipital migraine surgery encompasses three separate surgical incisions in the posterior neck to decompress the greater occipital nerves (GON), lesser occipital nerves (LON), and third occipital nerves (TON). Other incisions have been investigated, including singular transverse incisions. We sought to evaluate a single, vertical midline incision approach for decompression of all six occipital nerves. Methods Using 10 cadaveric hemi-sides (5 fresh cadaver head and necks). Anatomic landmarks and the location of the bilateral GON, LON, and TON were marked according to previous anatomic studies. A single, midline 9-cm incision was made, and lateral skin flaps were raised to decompress or avulse all six nerves. Results Through the midline incision, the GON and TON were identified at 3.5 and 6.2 cm, respectively, inferior to a line bisecting the external auditory canal (EAC) and 1.5 cm lateral to the midline. The LON was identified as 6-cm inferior and 6.5-cm medial to a line bisecting the EAC in the plane just above the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia until the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid was encountered. The LON had the greatest amount of variation but was identified lateral to the posterior border of the SCM. Conclusions A single midline incision approach allows for successful identification and decompression of all six occipital nerves in migraine surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R Olla
- Institute for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University, 747 N. Rutledge St, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Kortni M Kemper
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Amanda L Brown
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Brian A Mailey
- Institute for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University, 747 N. Rutledge St, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA.
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Efficacy and Safety of Migraine Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outcomes and Complication Rates. Ann Surg 2022; 275:e315-e323. [PMID: 35007230 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study are to assess the efficacy and safety of peripheral nerve surgery for migraine headaches and to bibliometrically analyze all anatomical studies relevant to migraine surgery. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Migraines rank as the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Despite the availability of conservative management options, individuals suffer from refractive migraines which are associated with poor quality of life. Migraine surgery, defined as the peripheral nerve decompression/trigger site deactivation, is a relatively novel treatment strategy for refractory migraines. METHODS EMBASE and the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) were systematically searched for relevant articles according to the PRISMA guidelines. Data was extracted from studies which met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses were performed to assess complication rates. Meta-analyses were run using the random effects model for overall effects and within subgroup fixed-effect models were used. RESULTS A total of 68 studies (38 clinical, 30 anatomical) were included in this review. There was a significant overall reduction in migraine intensity (P < 0.001, SE = 0.22, I2 = 97.9), frequency (P < 0.001, SE = 0.17, I2 = 97.7), duration (P < 0.001, SE = 0.15, I2 = 97), and migraine headache index (MHI, P < 0.001, SE = 0.19, I2 = 97.2) at follow-up. A total of 35 studies reported on migraine improvement (range: 68.3%-100% of participants) and migraine elimination (range: 8.3%-86.5% of participants). 32.1% of participants in the clinical studies reported complications for which the most commonly reported complications being paresthesia and numbness, which was mostly transient, (12.11%) and itching (4.89%). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates improved migraine outcomes and an overall decrease in MHI as well as strong evidence for the safety profile and complication rate of migraine surgery.
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The Potential Roles of Cervical Plexus Abnormalities in Occipital Neuralgia: An Anatomic Variant Explored. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12010139. [PMID: 35054305 PMCID: PMC8774999 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Occipital neuralgia (ON) is a condition defined as a headache characterized by paroxysmal burning and stabbing pain located in the distribution of the greater occipital nerve (GON), lesser occipital nerve (LON), or third occipital nerves (TON). This condition can be severely impairing in symptomatic patients and is known to have numerous etiologies deriving from various origins such as trauma, anatomical abnormalities, tumors, infections, and degenerative changes. This study reports four cases of a previously undescribed anatomical variant in which the (spinal) accessory nerve (SAN) fuses with the LON before piercing the sternocleidomastoid (SCM). The fusion of these two nerves and their route through the SCM points to a potential location for nerve compression within the SCM and, in turn, another potential source of ON. This anatomical presentation has clinical significance as it provides clinicians with another possible cause of ON to consider when diagnosing patients who present with complaints of a headache. Additionally, this study explores the prevalence of piercing anatomy of the LON and GAN and discusses their clinical implications.
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Wamsley CE, Chung M, Amirlak B. Occipital Neuralgia: Advances in the Operative Management. Neurol India 2021; 69:S219-S227. [PMID: 34003169 DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.315980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Occipital neuralgia (ON) is a primary headache disorder characterized by sharp, shooting, or electric shock-like pain in the distribution of the greater, lesser, or third occipital nerves. Aim To review the existing literature on the management of ON and to describe our technique of an endoscopic-assisted approach to decompress the GON proximally in areas of fibrous and muscular compression, as well as distally by thorough decompression of the occipital artery from the nerve. Methods Relevant literature on the medical and surgical management of ON was reviewed. Literature on the anatomical relationships of occipital nerves and their clinical relevance were also reviewed. Results While initial treatment of ON is conservative, peripheral nerve blocks and many surgical management approaches are available for patients with pain refractory to the medical treatment. These include greater occipital nerve blocks, occipital nerve stimulation, Botulinum toxin injections locally, pulsed radiofrequency ablation, cryoneuroablation, C-2 ganglionectomy, and endoscopic-assisted ON decompression. Conclusion Patients of ON refractory to medical management can be benefitted by surgical approaches and occipital nerve blocks. Endoscopic-assisted ON decompression provides one such approach for the patients with vascular, fibrous or muscular compressions of occipital nerves resulting in intractable ON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Wamsley
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Michael Chung
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Bardia Amirlak
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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