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Longitudinal Computed Tomography Indicates No Negative Impact of OnabotulinumtoxinA on Mandibular Bone Density in a
Background:
Botulinum neurotoxins are used to treat masseter muscle prominence (MMP), benign bilateral masseter muscle enlargement which can be aesthetically undesirable. Limited data report botulinum neurotoxin injections in the muscles of mastication, with subsequent reduction in biomechanical loading, may impact mandibular bone density.
Objectives:
This study evaluates whether changes in mandibular bone density occur after bilateral masseter treatment with a botulinum neurotoxin, onabotulinumtoxinA, in individuals with MMP.
Methods:
Analyses were performed on a prespecified subpopulation (n = 123) from a 12-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation, Phase 2 study (N = 187). Participants received 1 or 2 bilateral masseter treatments of onabotulinumtoxinA (48, 72, or 96 U) or placebo and had multi-detector computed tomography scans at baseline and Days 90 and 360 post-treatment. Cortical and trabecular bone densities, estimated in Hounsfield units, were calculated for the bilateral condyle, premolar dentoalveolus, and ramus.
Results:
No clinically significant changes in mandibular bone density were observed in condyle, premolar area, or ramus of onabotulinumtoxinA-treated participants, when compared with placebo or baseline, after 1 or 2 treatments.
Conclusions:
In healthy adults with MMP, 1 or 2 bilateral masseter treatments with onabotulinumtoxinA at doses of 48, 72, or 96 U over 1 year did not negatively impact mandibular bone density.
