Functional outcome following Botulinum toxin A injection to reduce spastic equinus in adults with traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Botulinum toxin A in the management of spastic equinus resulting from traumatic brain injury.


METHODS
A before-after intervention design was used without controls.


METHODS
Subjects were seven patients suffering from traumatic brain injury of average duration 14 (4-38) months as a result of motor vehicle trauma, who had spastic equinus interfering with gait.


METHODS
The patients were treated with injections of Botulinum toxin A into the spastic calf muscles: gastrocnemius, soleus and tibialis posterior. Assessments were made pre-injection and at 2 weeks and 3 months post-injection.


RESULTS
At the end of the 3-month period, all patients showed a significant improvement in gait velocity, cadence and stride length.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that Botulinum toxin A may be useful in the management of spastic equinus following traumatic brain injury.
Fock
Jimy
J
Brighton Rehabilitation Centre, Victoria, Australia.
Galea
Mary P
MP
Stillman
Barry C
BC
Rawicki
Barry
B
Clark
Malcolm
M
D000328:Adult; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D004863:Equinus Deformity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A