The Effects of Wearing a Medical Mask on the Masticatory and Neck Muscle Activity in Healthy Young Women

The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of wearing a medical mask on masticatory and neck muscle activity in healthy young women. We recruited 66 healthy women aged from 18 to 30 years (mean 23.6 ± 2.3 years). The temporalis anterior (TA), the superficial part of the masseter muscle (MM), the anterior bellies of the digastric muscle (DA), and the middle part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) potentials were recorded at rest and during functional activity using an eight-channel device for surface electromyography—BioEMG IIITM. There was a statistically significant decrease in mean TA activity during medical mask measurement compared to no mask examination at rest (2.16 µV vs. 2.58 µV; p = 0.05; ES = 0.2). Significant decreases in resting RMS values were also observed during the medical mask phase in comparison to no mask examination concerning the left MM (1.75 µV vs. 2.17 µV; p = 0.01; ES = 0.3), and mean bioelectrical activity of the MM (1.81 µV vs. 2.15 µV; p = 0.02; ES = 0.2). The differences between the two conditions did not reach the assumed significance level (p > 0.05) in terms of other indices. Wearing a medical mask has a small effect on decreasing the resting potentials of the temporalis anterior and masseter muscles without changing the parameters of activity and asymmetry within the stomatognathic system.

Congenital muscular torticollis: an Orl’s perspective

<p>Congenital muscular torticollis usually results from the shortening or excessive contraction of sternocleidomastoid muscle. Delay in diagnosis and appropriate early therapeutic evaluation can lead to permanent disability. We would like to report two rare cases with congenital muscular torticollis who underwent surgery followed by aggressive physiotherapy. We would like to emphasise the need of an early diagnosis and intervention which leads to best outcome. This can prevent progressive physical deformity. Surgeons should offer the patient with option of release and repair of sternocleidomastoid muscle as it gives excellent result in view of mobility and appearance for child.</p>

The Influence of Visual Input on Electromyographic Patterns of Masticatory and Cervical Spine Muscles in Subjects with Myopia

This study aimed to analyze the change of visual input on electromyographic patterns of masticatory and cervical spine muscles in subjects with myopia. After applying the inclusion criteria, 50 subjects (18 males and 32 females) with myopia ranging from −0.5 to −5.75 Diopters (D), were included in the study. Four muscle pairs were analyzed: the anterior part of the temporalis muscle (TA), the superficial part of the masseter muscle (MM), the anterior belly of the digastric muscle (DA), and the middle part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle belly (SCM) during resting and functional activity. Statistical analysis showed a significant decrease within functional indices (FCI) for the sternocleidomastoid muscle (FCI SCM R, FCI SCM L, FCI SCM total) during clenching in the intercuspal position with eyes closed compared to eyes open. During maximum mouth opening, a statistically significant increase of functional opening index for the left temporalis muscle (FOI TA L) was observed. Within the activity index (AcI), there was a statistically significant decrease during clenching on dental cotton rollers with eyes closed compared to eyes open.

Cholesteatoma extending into the sternocleidomastoid muscle presenting as a Bezold abscess

Cholesteatoma is a non-neoplastic cystic lesion arising in the middle ear cleft with the propensity to spread and recur after surgery, but it is unusual to find cholesteatoma invading sternocleidomastoid muscle after 15 years of modified radical mastoidectomy and presenting as Bezold abscess. In this report, the authors highlight the fact that cholesteatoma recurrence if neglected can present as a Bezold abscess with the invasion of cholesteatoma from the mastoid tip into the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This requires complete excision of the cholesteatoma sac along with the surrounding soft tissue.

The salivary glands

There are three paired major salivary glands of the head and neck, all named according to their location and each contributing to saliva and enzyme production via their respective ducts to assist with mastication and digestion. At rest, the lion’s share (60%) of saliva production is from the submandibular glands. On stimulation, the parotid contribution increases from 20% to 50%. There are up to 1000 minor salivary glands found within the submucosa of the oral cavity – 1-2mm in size and predominantly mucous in nature. The parotid glands are irregular shaped masses of lobulated tissue situated on the side of the face, reaching from the zygomatic arch superiorly to the upper part of the neck inferiorly where they overly the posterior belly of digastric and upper sternocleidomastoid muscle. Anteriorly, the gland lies between the posterior border of the mandibular ramus before continuing below the external acoustic meatus towards the mastoid process posteriorly.

Isolated Cysticercosis of Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: Role of Ultrasonography

Cysticercosis is considered a common healthcare problem, especially in developing countries. The invasion of muscle by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium (i.e., Cysticercus cellulosae) usually occurs in association with CNS cysts, concurrent muscle cysts, or both. Isolated skeletal muscle involvement is rare and presents with nonspecific symptoms resulting in a diagnostic dilemma for the treating physician. We report a 20-year-old female with isolated cysticercosis of right sternocleidomastoid muscle presenting as a right neck swelling and mild pain for 4 months, whose diagnosis was established by ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomogram (CT) scan. She was managed conservatively with oral albendazole therapy for four weeks resulting in complete resolution.

Acute L-Citrulline Supplementation Increases Nitric Oxide Bioavailability but Not Inspiratory Muscle Oxygenation and Respiratory Performance

The present study aimed to investigate whether acute L-citrulline supplementation would affect inspiratory muscle oxygenation and respiratory performance. Twelve healthy males received 6 g of L-citrulline or placebo in a double-blind crossover design. Pulmonary function (i.e., forced expired volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity and their ratio), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (NO•), and sternocleidomastoid muscle oxygenation were measured at baseline, one hour post supplementation, and after an incremental resistive breathing protocol to task failure of the respiratory muscles. The resistive breathing task consisted of 30 inspirations at 70% and 80% of MIP followed by continuous inspirations at 90% of MIP until task failure. Sternocleidomastoid muscle oxygenation was assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy. One-hour post-L-citrulline supplementation, exhaled NO• was significantly increased (19.2%; p < 0.05), and this increase was preserved until the end of the resistive breathing (16.4%; p < 0.05). In contrast, no difference was observed in the placebo condition. Pulmonary function and MIP were not affected by the L-citrulline supplementation. During resistive breathing, sternocleidomastoid muscle oxygenation was significantly reduced, with no difference noted between the two supplementation conditions. In conclusion, a single ingestion of 6 g L-citrulline increased NO• bioavailability but not the respiratory performance and inspiratory muscle oxygenation.

Repair of tracheoesophageal fistula with pedicled sternocleidomastoid muscle flap after minimally invasive esophagectomy: A case report

Background: Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF) is a rare complication after Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (MIE). Various surgical methods are available for repairing TEF. In this report, we have shown the importance and feasibility of pedicled Sternocleidomastoid Muscle (SCMM) flap in dealing with TEF. Methods and results: A 57-year-old woman with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma underwent MIE in our hospital. TEF was diagnosed based on some clinical manifestations, like coughing after swallowing, a month after MIE. During the repair operation, we have utilized pedicled SCMM flap to cover the fistula after suturing the esophagus and trachea separately. No major complications occurred after the operation, and the prognosis was good. Conclusions: Pedicled sternocleidomastoid muscle flap was convenient, reliable and efficient in covering the fistula, therefore, we recommend it as the routine surgical method. However, randomized controlled trials are further needed to confirm this recommendation. TEF can be reconstructed with a pedicled SCMM flap. This method can effectively avoid further complications. Keywords: minimally invasive esophagectomy; esophageal cancer; tracheoesophageal fistula; sternocleidomastoid muscle.