In an experiment on one of the authors, we used ultrasound to visualise an acupuncture needle completely perforating the median nerve at the acupuncture point PC6. During this procedure only a slight sensation occurred, and no pain. We conclude that, in individual cases, the median nerve might be perforated without causing pain or neurological problems.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
MelchartD, WeidenhammerW, StrengA, ReitmayrS, HoppeA, ErnstE, Prospective investigation of adverse effects of acupuncture in 97 733 patients. Arch Intern Med2004;164(1):104–5.
2.
ChauffeRJ, DuskinAL. Pneumothorax secondary to acupuncture therapy. South Med J2006;99(11):1297–9.
3.
StreitbergerK, EichenbergerU, SchneiderA, WitteS, GreherM.Ultrasound measurements of the distance between acupuncture needle tip at P6 and the median nerve. J Altern Complement Med2007;13(5):585–91.
4.
PeukerE, WhiteA, ErnstE, PeraF, FillerT.Traumatic Complications of Acupuncture. Therapists need to know human anatomy. Arch Fam Med1999;8(6):553–8.
5.
BigeleisenPE. Nerve puncture and apparent intraneural injection during ultrasound-guided axillary block does not invariably result in neurologic injury. Anesthesiology2006;105(4):647–8.
6.
GrayAT. Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia: current state of the art. Anesthesiology2006;104(2):368–73.
7.
MacPhersonH, AsgharA.Acupuncture needle sensations associated wit. De Qi: a classification based on experts’ ratings. J Altern Complement Med2006;12(7):633–7.
8.
ReinaMA, LopezA, De AndresJA. [Adipose tissue within peripheral nerves. Study of the human sciatic nerve]. Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim2002;49(8):397–402.
9.
InglisJT, LeeperJB, WilsonLR, GandeviaSC, BurkeD.The development of conduction block in single human axons following a focal nerve injury. J Physiol1998;513(Pt1):127–33.
