title: Perforation of the median nerve with an acupuncture needle guided by ultrasound.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kessler
authors.forename: Konrad
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Streitberger
mesh_terms: D015669:Acupuncture Points; D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000294:innervation*; D006801:Humans; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries*; D009339:Needles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010146:Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D019413:Qi; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology; D014463:Ultrasonography