Botulinum toxin A in functional popliteal entrapment syndrome: a new approach to a difficult diagnosis

J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2014 Oct;121(10):1297-301. doi: 10.1007/s00702-014-1197-z. Epub 2014 Mar 25.

Abstract

Functional Popliteal Entrapment Syndrome (FPES) is caused by compression of neurovascular structures in the popliteal fossa by hypertrophic muscles, provoking severe leg pain with exercise. Treatment is limited to myotomy of hypertrophic musculature. 8 FPES patients underwent imaging and exercise studies, before receiving botulinum toxin A injections (BTX-A) into the gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles. 81.3 % of patients reported clinical improvement on follow-up, and pathological ankle-brachial indices were normalized. BTX-A injection may present a new, safe, effective and non-invasive approach to FPES.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use*
  • Exercise Test
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / diagnostic imaging
  • Muscle, Skeletal / drug effects*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnostic imaging
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / drug therapy*
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / physiopathology
  • Neuromuscular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A