BOTOX and physical therapy in the treatment of piriformis syndrome.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study evaluates the efficacy of botulinum toxin A injections used in conjunction with physical therapy for the treatment of piriformis syndrome.

DESIGN:

This a double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial using electrophysiologic criteria for patient selection and a visual analog scale to assess treatment efficacy in relieving pain.

RESULTS:

As measured on the visual analog scale, patients injected with botulinum toxin A experienced more relief from pain than patients receiving lidocaine with steroid (P < 0.05) and more relief than patients receiving placebo (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Injection with botulinum toxin A is an effective adjunct to physical therapy in the treatment of piriformis syndrome. H-reflex prolongation by flexion, adduction, and internal rotation (FAIR test) beyond 1.86 msec (3 SD) of the mean is a clinical indication of piriformis syndrome.

• Authors: Loren M Fishman, Christopher Anderson, Bernard Rosner
• Journal: American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation (Am J Phys Med Rehabil) Vol. 81 Issue 12 Pg. 936-42 (Dec 2002) ISSN: 0894-9115 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12447093 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Topics

• Botulinum Toxins, Type A (therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• H-Reflex (drug effects)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Physical Therapy Specialty (methods)
• Sciatica (drug therapy, therapy)
• Treatment Outcome