Innervation Characteristics and Determination of Nerve Entry Points of the Musculus Semispinalis Capitis

The aim of this study is to determine the innervation characteristics and nerve entry points of the musculus semispinalis capitis. This muscle, which is involved in the extension of the head and neck, is a large and long cervico-thoracic muscle innervated by the dorsal rami of the cervical spinal nerves. The study seeks to enhance the effectiveness of procedures like electromyography (EMG) electrode placement and botulinum toxin injections used for diagnosing and treating conditions related to head and neck pain.

Accurately identifying these nerve entry points is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of treatments, particularly for conditions like cervical dystonia and headaches. While existing studies have focused on the innervation and nerve mapping of various muscles, there has been no specific research on the nerve entry points of the musculus semispinalis capitis. This study aims to provide detailed knowledge of these aspects, offering valuable guidance for interventions in this area.

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Key information

Conditions

Peripheral Nerve Disease Dyskinesias Dystonia Muscular Injury Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Diseases Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Signs and Symptoms Torticollis

Age range

45 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Istanbul Medipol University

Istanbul, Kavacık, 34815, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

The musculus semispinalis capitis, one of the cervical paraspinal muscles, originates from the transverse processes of the last cervical and the first six to seven thoracic vertebrae. It extends upward along both sides of the posterior midline and inserts between the superior and inferior nuchal lines on the occipital bone. This muscle is innervated by the dorsal rami of the cervical spinal nerves. As a large and long cervico-thoracic muscle, its primary function is the extension of the head and neck.

The aim of this study is to determine the innervation characteristics and nerve entry points of the musculus semispinalis capitis to enhance the effectiveness of procedures such as the placement of electromyography (EMG) electrodes for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, as well as botulinum toxin injections used for treating conditions associated with head and neck pain.

The innervation characteristics and nerve entry points of the musculus semispinalis capitis need to be precisely identified, particularly in relation to treatments such as botulinum toxin injections for the management of spasms and pain in conditions like cervical dystonia, and for the treatment of headaches. Accurate identification of these points is crucial for ensuring safe and effective injections in this region and for understanding the anatomical variations in the area.

While there are studies in the literature focusing on the innervation characteristics and nerve entry points of various muscles, as well as nerve mapping, there has been no specific research on nerve entry point mapping for the musculus semispinalis capitis. Conducting this study will establish a detailed understanding of the innervation characteristics and nerve entry points of this muscle, providing valuable guidance for interventions in this area.

Previous studies on deep neck muscles have shown that procedures such as injections and EMG measurements have generally been performed using approximate localization methods. This study aims to use the results obtained to make these procedures more effective and less invasive.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Cadavers were preserved using a 10% formalin solution.

Exclusion criteria

neck and back region curvature,
neck flexion and extension,
related region muscle or nerve pathology,
fracture,
cadavers that have undergone previous surgery

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

The number of nerves innervating the semispinalis capitis muscle

Time frame: 10 months

The semispinalis capitis muscle is innervated by many nerves, primarily the dorsal branches of the cervical spinal nerves. The number of branches of the dorsal branches of the cervical nerves that enter the muscle was determined and counted one by one.
The location of nerves innervating the semispinalis capitis muscle

Time frame: 10 months

In order to determine which cervical nerve branch of the semispinalis capitis muscle was concentrated in which areas of the muscle, the perpendicular distances of the points where the nerves entered the muscle to the determined landmarks were measured and recorded in mm.
The thickness of nerves innervating the semispinalis capitis muscle

Time frame: 10 months

The thickness of the nerves innervating the semispinalis capitis muscle was measured and recorded.
Mapping of nerves innervating the semispinalis capitis muscle

Time frame: 10 months

After detailed information about the nerves innervating the semispinalis capitis muscle and the areas where they are concentrated were determined, the innervation map of the muscle was created. In this way, a muscle-nerve map was created as a guide for clinical applications.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Medipol University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2018
Primary completion: 2018
Study completion: 2019
First posted: Aug 26, 2024
Registry last updated: Aug 26, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed