Abstract
Background We report the use of botulinum toxin to aid in the treatment of chronic radial collateral
ligament insufficiency of the thumb.
Case Description Treatment included autograft tendon reconstruction and cast immobilization. Six weeks
postoperatively, prior to hand therapy, the patient underwent an ultrasound-guided
botulinum neurotoxin A injection into the adductor pollicis muscle to negate its deforming
forces on the reconstruction. The patient made an excellent recovery and 1 year postoperatively
was pain free and had a stable radial collateral ligament (RCL) upon examination.
Literature Review The outcomes of RCL repair and reconstruction are unpredictable, in part, due to
the strong opposing forces of the adductor pollicis.
Clinical Relevance The use of Botox injection may enhance the outcomes of RCL repair or reconstruction
by neutralizing the deforming forces of the adductor muscle.
Keywords
radial collateral ligament - reconstruction - botulinum toxin - thumb - adductor pollicis
