The key-muscle concept: a long-term low-dose injection strategy for botulinum toxin A treatment in cerebral palsy.

ABSTRACT

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) is a well established treatment in cerebral palsy. A uniform dose strategy is, however, missing. We reviewed 35 children with spastic cerebral palsy treated with BoNT according to a newly-developed Key-Muscle concept. All patients received at least 4 BoNT treatments. Systemic side effects or secondary non-response were not observed. After a mean follow-up of 303 months, none of these patients needed bone surgery whereas 6 underwent soft tissue procedures. The Key-Muscle concept is a safe and effective treatment in spastic cerebral palsy. It respects the need for long-term therapy during motor development. Contractures and lever arm disease can be avoided.