Impact of US-guided BoNT injection in patients with dystonia: A retrospective study

Background: Botulinum Neurotoxin (BoNT) is effective in the treatment of dystonia. BoNT has to be injected directly into target tissue with exact placement to improve the therapeutic effects and to avoid adverse events. Small and deep muscles are difficult to target with anatomical landmarks only, therefore, the use of ultrasound (US) imaging has become a well-established procedure to improve BoNT therapy outcome. Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the usefulness of US-guided BoNT injections in patients with dystonia. Methods: A retrospective, single center study of patients with dystonia that have been treated with BoNT. We will review the medical records of the last 5 years to evaluate the response of US-guided BoNT injections and compare with the response of anatomical landmarks-guided BoNT injections in the previous 5 years when US was not available. Expected results: US-guided BoNT injections improve the therapeutic effects and reduce adverse events compared with anatomical landmarks-guided BoNT injections.