Efficacy of ultrasound-guided myofascial hydrodissection technique in myofascial pain syndrome of upper trapezius: a randomized controlled trial

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), a chronic musculoskeletal disorder characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). The objective is to explore the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided myofascial hydrodissection technique (UMHT) compared with trigger point injection of lidocaine (TPI) in the patients with MPS of upper trapezius. This randomized clinical trial was conducted at the rehabilitation medicine center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, with 41 patients between May and October 2024. Patients were assigned to UMHT group (UMHT) or TPI group (1% lidocaine injection). Outcomes were measured at multiple time points using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS, primary), the short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and the neck disability index (NDI). Data were analyzed using SPSS v.29. The VAS scores was significantly decreased after receiving either UMHT (Effect sizes r = 0.716; p < 0.001) or TPI (Effect sizes r = 0.604; p < 0.001) during the 12-week follow-up period, while the SF-MPQ and the NDI showed similar positive results. There was no statistically significant difference between UMHT and TPI in pain reduction and function improvement (p > 0.05). No adverse events had been reported. Both UMHT and TPI demonstrate comparable efficacy and safety profiles in managing MPS of upper trapezius.