Rectus Femoris Tenotomy Versus Botulinum Toxin A for Stiff Knee Gait After Stroke

Summary

Stiff knee gait is defined as the lack of knee flexion in the swing phase of gait. Stiff knee gait is a frequent condition among stroke patients leading to reduce gait speed and increase energy cost. In association with neuro-rehabilitation, botulinum toxin A injections in the rectus femoris is recommended. However, the botulinum toxin A effect is transient necessitating repeated injections. The aim of this study is to compare the benefit of the rectus femoris tenotomy in comparison with botulinum toxin A injections according to the 3 domains of the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health of the World Health Organisation

Timeline

Start

2014-03

Primary completion

2017-12

Completion

2017-12

Publications

• Background Stoquart GG, Detrembleur C, Palumbo S, Deltombe T, Lejeune TM. Effect of botulinum toxin injection in the rectus femoris on stiff-knee gait in people with stroke: a prospective observational study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008 Jan;89(1):56-61. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2007.08.131.
• Background Caty GD, Detrembleur C, Bleyenheuft C, Deltombe T, Lejeune TM. Effect of simultaneous botulinum toxin injections into several muscles on impairment, activity, participation, and quality of life among stroke patients presenting with a stiff knee gait. Stroke. 2008 Oct;39(10):2803-8. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.108.516153. Epub 2008 Jul 17.
• Background Namdari S, Pill SG, Makani A, Keenan MA. Rectus femoris to gracilis muscle transfer with fractional lengthening of the vastus muscles: a treatment for adults with stiff knee gait. Phys Ther. 2010 Feb;90(2):261-8. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20090151. Epub 2009 Dec 18.

Drugs

Indications