Can We Reliably Needle Hip Muscles Blindly?

NCT07079033 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: erzurum rtrh2
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of invasive interventions (dry needling or injection) performed on specific muscles of the hip region in reaching the anatomical target. The accuracy of the interventions performed with a blinded method will be compared with an observational assessment supported by ultrasonography. The interventions will be performed by a physician with clinical experience, and the anatomical location of the needle tip will be evaluated by a second physician with ultrasonography after each procedure. The targeted muscles include the iliacus, pectineus, sartorius, tensor fascia latae, and rectus femoris. Each participant will be subjected to interventions for five different muscles, and a total of at least 40 injection interventions will be analyzed. Ultrasonography will be used only for observation and verification purposes; no pharmacological substances will be applied during the procedure. All procedures will be performed under sterile conditions, and participants will be monitored for 24 hours for possible pain, bruising, or complications. Participants will be informed about the content and purpose of the study, and written informed consent forms will be obtained. The study does not have a therapeutic purpose and is only intended to investigate targeting accuracy. The data to be obtained is expected to contribute to the determination of anatomical accuracy rates in clinical practices and the improvement of interventional training processes.

Conditions

Hip Needling

Keywords

dry needling; trigger point; ultrasound guidance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Accuracy of Blinded Dry Needling Injections

  Proportion of injection attempts in which the needle accurately reaches the intended target muscle using the blinded (anatomical landmark-based) technique, as confirmed by ultrasonography.

  Immediately after each injection attempt

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Accuracy Rate per Target Muscle

  Immediately after each injection attempt

Other Outcomes (1)

• Inter-Operator Variability in Injection Accuracy

  2 week

Study Arms (1)

Blind Dry Needling Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles

EXPERIMENTAL

Dry needling is performed using anatomical landmarks without ultrasound guidance. Needle placement is then confirmed via ultrasound imaging.

Procedure: Blinded Dry Needling

Interventions

Blinded Dry Needling PROCEDURE

Dry needling is performed using anatomical landmarks without ultrasound guidance. Needle placement is then confirmed via ultrasound imaging.

Blind Dry Needling Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18 to 65 years
• Individuals with nonspecific hip, groin, or anterior thigh pain who are scheduled for physical therapy
• Clinical suspicion of myofascial pain syndrome, particularly involving muscles around the hip
• Patients with clinical indication for dry needling or similar invasive treatments (e.g., targeting muscles such as iliacus, pectineus, sartorius)
• Ability to cooperate with the procedure
• Ability to provide written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Use of anticoagulant medications (due to increased risk of bleeding)
• Severe hip osteoarthritis, presence of hip prosthesis, history of previous hip surgery, or significant anatomical deformity
• Active infection or skin lesion at the planned injection site
• Inability to cooperate or communicate effectively
• Pregnancy
• Presence of serious systemic illnesses (e.g., malignancy, neurological disorders)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Erzurum Regional Training & Research Hospital: lead

Central Study Contacts

nurmuhammet tas

CONTACT

+905323380237; nu_mu_ta@hotmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: DIAGNOSTIC
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER GOV
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: dr.

Model Details: Dry needling is performed using anatomical landmarks without ultrasound guidance. Needle placement is then confirmed via ultrasound imaging.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 23, 2025
• First Posted: July 22, 2025
• Study Start: September 28, 2025
• Primary Completion: September 30, 2025
• Study Completion: September 30, 2025
• Last Updated: September 19, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share