Comment on Ultrasound Guidance for Botulinum Neurotoxin Chemodenervation Procedures. Toxins 2017, 10, 18-Quintessential Use of Ultrasound Guidance for Botulinum Toxin Injections-Muscle Innervation Zone Targeting Revisited

Toxins (Basel). 2018 Sep 28;10(10):396. doi: 10.3390/toxins10100396.

Abstract

Recently, the importance of targeting structures during botulinum neurotoxin applications has been discussed in a variety of disorders, including spasticity and dystonia. In this respect, the advantages of ultrasound imaging to traditional techniques have been emphasized. We would like underscore the importance of ultrasound guidance, with targeting innervation zone(s) of the over-active muscles to achieve effective clinical outcomes. Additionally, we also clarify the difference between the terms-innervation zone (motor end plate) and motor point-which have been used by the authors as if they were the same. Further, we disagree with the authors about the intramuscular botulinum neurotoxin application techniques i.e., in-plane vs. out-of-plane whereby the former is, for sure, superior.

Keywords: botulinum toxin; innervation zone; ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Botulinum Toxins*
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Muscle Spasticity
  • Nerve Block*
  • Neuromuscular Agents*
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins