Distribution of the intramuscular innervation of the triceps brachii: Clinical importance in the treatment of spasticity with botulinum neurotoxin

Abstract

This study aimed to identify ideal sites for botulinum toxin injection by analyzing the intramuscular nerve patterns of the triceps brachii muscles. A modified Sihler's method was applied to the triceps brachii muscle (15 specimens), with long, medial, and lateral heads. The intramuscular arborization areas of the long, medial, and lateral heads of the triceps brachii muscle were measured as a percentage of the total distance from the midpoint of the olecranon (0%) to the anteroinferior point of the acromion (100%), by dividing the medial and lateral parts based on the line connecting the midpoint of the olecranon and the anteroinferior point of the acromion. Intramuscular arborization patterns were observed at the long head at two medial regions, proximally 30%–50% and distally 60%–70%; medial head of 30%–40%; and lateral head of 30%–60%. These results suggest that the treatment of spasticity of the triceps brachii muscles involves botulinum toxin injections in specific areas. The areas corresponding to the areas of maximum arborization are recommended as the most effective and safe points for botulinum toxin injection.