53 - Anatomical Substract of the Temporal Muscle Myofascial Trigger Points in Fresh and Formalized Cadaver: Comparative Study

Poster Board Number: 53
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Abstract Body : Background: - Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain and is characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTPs). These MTPs have been correlated to innervation zones (IZ) supporting the hypothesis that their dysfunction can cause development of trigger points. Formalin fixation induces retraction of tissues, so we compared fresh and formalized cadavers to ascertain whether morphological and quantitative differences should be considered.
Methods - Temporal muscles from five fresh and five formalized cadavers were dissected to observe the nerve branching. 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 superiors (I, II and III) and three inferiors (IV, V and VI), Statistical analysis was made by Poisson distribution and logarithm link function followed Bonferroni multiple comparisons. Comparison of number of nerve branches and muscle dimensions between the groups was made by Student’s t-test.
Results - Areas II, III, V and VI concentrated most of the deep temporal nerve entry points in both fixed and fresh frozen groups. These locations correspond to the clinically described MTP. Differences were found between fresh and formalized cadavers in area V.
Conclusion - Anatomical identification of the branching pattern of the deep temporal nerve can be achieved irrespective of the cadavers being fixed or fresh frozen.