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Anatomical basis of the temporal muscle trigger points
Author(s) -
Akamatsu Flávia Emi,
Teixeira Giulianna Simonetti,
Itezerote Ana Maria,
Hojaij Flávio,
Andrade Mauro,
Jacomo Alfredo Luiz
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.01921
Subject(s) - medicine , palpation , anatomy , myofascial pain syndrome , quadrant (abdomen) , temporal muscle , cadaver , masseter muscle , pathology , surgery , alternative medicine
Background Myofascial syndrome is a common cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain associated with activity restrictions and is characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTP). MTP are clinically identified by palpation of a muscle or fascial taut band. Pathophysiology of MTP is unclear, coincidence between them and muscle motor plate has been suggested. The temporal muscle is related to headache and temporomandibular disorders. Pain radiates from hyperalgesic points to distant areas just as it is reported in patients with neck pain and symptoms in the orofacial region. Temporal muscle locates trigger areas and trigger points in various parts of the muscle. Four trigger points are selected, but an anatomical correlation is missing Methods Temporal muscles from six cadavers were carefully dissected from their origins in order to observe the exact point where nerve fibers penetrated the muscle belly. As muscle size varies among individuals, we calculated the relative entry point of the nerve into the muscle by defining six different areas in the muscle belly: three superior (I, II and III) and three inferior (IV, V and VI), beginning at the posterior margin of the muscle. Statistical analyzis OF anatomical data was obtainded by Poisson distribution and logarithm link function followed by Bonferroni multiple comparisons. (p <0.05) Results Areas II and III had the largest number of temporal nerve entry sites, with a mean of 3 sites (25%), followed by quadrant V and VI with a mean of 2 sites (16%) and quadrant I and IV with a mean of 1 site (9%). Conclusion In accordance with the clinical literature, the branches of the temporal nerve in the temporal muscle corresponded to the described areas of the myofascial trigger points (MTPs). Anatomical correlations between MTPs may be a useful tool for a better understanding of the physiopathology of these disorders and may provide a rational basis for their treatment.