Article

The aim of this study was to explore in vivo the effects of botulinum
toxin-A treatment on the muscle architecture of patients with stroke, using musculoskeletal ultrasonography.
This prospective clinical trial
included 26 adult stroke sufferers with a mean age of 55 years (standard
deviation 14). Pennation angles between the fascicle path and the deep
aponeurosis of the muscle, fascicle length, muscle thickness and muscle
compressibility were scanned at the bulkiest part of the medial gastrocnemius on
both limbs. Sonographic evaluations were performed initially before botulinum
toxin-A injection and repeated on day 10 and after 2 months. RESULTS: On the
hemiplegic sides, anterior pennation angle and muscle thickness decreased (p =
0.014, p = 0.010, respectively), fascicle length increased (p = 0.025) and muscle
compressibility did not change after 2 months of treatment compared with the
baseline values. CONCLUSION: The results confirm that muscle structure changes
due to botulinum toxin-A. Long-term effects of botulinum toxin-A, timing for
disappearance of the toxin effects, or evaluations for repeat injections, remain
to be studied. The use of musculoskeletal ultrasonography appears to be promising
in this regard. :

Langue : ANGLAIS