Botulinum toxin therapy for osteoarticular pain: an evidence-based review

Botulinum (BoNT) toxin has been used for its muscle-paralyzing action in conditions such as treatment of wrinkles, cervical dystonia and blephrospasm. There is preclinical and emerging clinical evidence of another mechanism of action of BoNT, namely, an antinociceptive action. In this review, we provide an evidence-based review of clinical studies of BoNT in osteoarticular conditions, such as osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, low back pain, and hand pain. Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found evidence of short-term efficacy of an injection of BoNT in relief of pain, and in some cases, improvement of function and quality of life. However, more clinical trials are needed to better define the clinical use of BoNT for treatment of refractory osteoarticular pain.