title: Ultrasound-guided injection of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of iliopsoas spasticity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) is a common treatment for iliopsoas muscle spasticity, but it is not easy to position the needle in this muscle without guidance. In this paper we describe an ultrasound-guided technique for the intramuscular injection of BTX-A to treat spasticity of the iliopsoas muscle. Its effectiveness was assessed in 10 patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The ultrasound-guided technique for BTX-A injection was used on 10 patients. The needle was inserted into the muscle belly at an angle of 45° along the longitudinal axis of the muscle when allowed by patient's condition.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all cases, the iliopsoas muscle was easily identified and both the iliac and psoas components were assessed. Introduction of the needle and drug injection were entirely carried out under ultrasonographic guidance. The procedure was successful in all patients, even in those with a high-grade spasticity, and general anesthesia was not required.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This ultrasound-guided technique allows accurate guidance for the injection of BTX-A, and it can be considered as an alternate supportive therapy in patients with spasticity and dystonia.
authors: Di.Me.S. Sezione di Radiodiagnostica, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy.
authors: L M
authors: LM
authors: Sconfienza
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Perrone
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Lacelli
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Lentino
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Serafini
keywords: Botulinum A toxin; Cerebral palsy; Iliopsoas muscle; Injection; Interventional ultrasonography
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