A practical guide to botulinum neurotoxin treatment of teres major muscle in shoulder spasticity: Intramuscular neural distribution of teres major muscle in cadaver model

Abstract

Background: Botulinum neurotoxin treatment typically focuses on the teres major muscle as a primary target for addressing shoulder spasticity. The muscle is located deep within a large muscle group and optimal injection locations have not been identified.

Objective: To identify the preferred location for administering botulinum toxin injections in the teres major muscle.

Methods: Teres major specimens were removed from 18 cadaveric models and stained with Sihler's method to reveal the neural distribution within the muscle. The muscles were systematically divided into equal lengths from origin to insertion. The neural density in each section was evaluated to determine the location that would be likely to increase effectiveness of the injection.

Results: The greatest density of intramuscular nerve endings was located in the middle 20% of the muscle. The tendinous portion was observed at the ends of the muscle.

Conclusions: The results suggest that botulinum neurotoxin should be delivered in the middle 20% of the teres major muscle.