A novel treatment for prevention of post-traumatic elbow stiffness using onaBotulinum toxin type A: a prospective placebo controlled randomized trial

Approximately 30% of all upper extremity fractures are elbow which may result stiffness. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy onaBotulinum Toxin type A injection prevent post-traumatic pain and elbow-stiffness. All patients were included who presented a single surgeon with supracondylar/ intraarticular distal humerus fractures, proximal ulna radius fractures. The was developed in randomized placebo controlled between 2003-2007. Disabilities Arm, Shoulder, Hand (DASH) score as well arc-of-motion (AOM) assessed after three, six, twelve-months final follow up for evaluation. Of 31-patients included, 15-patients (48.4%) received Botox injections. In no complication observed when injecting dosage 100-units brachialis biceps brachii muscles. Furthermore, it an effective method stiffness, lasting six- months. Significant differences DASH, VAS-score ROM three-months control group (DASH 21.6±11.0 vs. 55.3±11.0 ; VAS 1.2±5.2 5.7±21.9 103±7.6 73±6.3 p>0.05) identified prospective group. Botulinum toxin is safe, reliable treatment Our demonstrates improved early range-of- motion (p<0.05), better extension 6 weeks functional outcome including DASH (p<0.05).