Ultrasound‐guided injection of the iliopsoas muscle with botulinum toxin in camptocormia

Abstract

Camptocormia is characterized by an abnormal posture of the trunk with pronounced flexion of the thoraco-lumbar spine during standing and walking, which abates in a supine position. Treatment options for camptocormia are limited and mostly futile. Here, we report on the ultrasound-guided ventral injection of botulinum toxin A (BTX) into deep portions of the iliopsoas muscle in four parkinsonian patients with camptocormia as chief complaint. Using this novel and safe application technique, all patients received 500-1,500 MU of BTX per side in 4-6 month intervals. Treatment was generally well tolerated. At the highest dose, all patients complained of mild weakness of hip flexion. Standardized physical exam at follow-up visits, as well as self-assessment of patients, failed to show a relevant and lasting improvement of posture. In conclusion, injection of BTX into the iliopsoas does not appear to be a promising approach for the treatment of parkinsonism-associated camptocormia.