Systematic review of the histological and functional effects of botulinum toxin A on masticatory muscles: Consideration in dentofacial orthopedics and orthognathic surgery

• Published in: Annals of anatomy 2024-10, Vol.256, p.152302, Article 152302
• Main Authors: Guignardat, Jean-François, Raoul, Gwénaël, Ferri, Joël, Sciote, James J., Nicot, Romain
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Bite Force; Botulinum toxin; Botulinum Toxins, Type A - pharmacology; Dentofacial deformity; Functional properties; Histologic structure; Humans; Masticatory muscles; Masticatory Muscles - drug effects; Neuromuscular Agents - pharmacology; Orthognathic Surgery; Orthognathic Surgical Procedures; Surgical releapse
• ISSN: 0940-9602; 1618-0402; 1618-0402
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152302

Botulinum toxin type A causes muscle paralysis and is widely used in the masticatory muscle for stomatognathic diseases, such as temporomandibular disorder, bruxism, or masseteric hypertrophy. Nonetheless, its muscular effect remains unclear. Better understanding could aid improved use and perhaps new indications, particularly in dentofacial orthopaedics and orthognathic surgery. This systematic review explored the histologic and functional effects of botulinum toxin in animal and human masticatory muscles and was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched for relevant articles. The inclusion criteria were human or animal masticatory muscle analysis after botulinum toxin injection(s) AND histological structural/ultrastructural analysis by optical or electronic microscopy OR functional effect analysis by bite force evaluation (occlusal force analyzer) and muscle activity (electromyography). Of an initial 1578 articles, 44 studies were eventually included. Botulinum toxin injection in the masticatory muscle altered its histological structure and functional properties. The human and animal studies revealed ultrastructural change, atrophy, and fiber type modifications of the masticatory muscles after one injection. Botulinum toxin decreased bite force and muscle activity, but recovery was uncertain. Muscle forces applied on the skeleton is a key feature of facial growth. Masticatory muscle paralysis changes mechanical stress on bones, which rebalances the force applied on facial bones. This new balance could benefit dental deformity or surgical relapse. Therefore, botulinum toxin could limit the orthognathic effect of the masticatory muscles in such patients. Given the uncertain recovery, multiple injections should be avoided, and usage should not deviate from established consensus. •Histological changes are reported after botulinum toxin injection.•Botulinum toxin decreases bite force and muscle activity.•Recovery after botulinum toxin injection is uncertain.•Botulinum toxin could be used to prevent relapse in orthognathic surgery.