Can We Reliably Needle Hip Muscles Blindly?

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.