The Relationship between Spinal Stenosis and Neurological Outcome in Traumatic Cervical Spine Injury: An Analysis using Pavlov's Ratio, Spinal Cord Area, and Spinal Canal Area

Background

This study examined the relationship between four radiological parameters (Pavlov''s ratio, sagittal diameter, spinal cord area, and spinal canal area) in patients with a traumatic cervical spine injury, as well as the correlation between these parameters and the neurological outcome.

Methods

A total of 212 cervical spinal levels in 53 patients with a distractive-extension injury were examined. The following four parameters were measured: Pavlov''s ratio on the plain lateral radiographs, the sagittal diameter, the spinal cord area, and the spinal canal area on the MRI scans. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the parameters at each level and between the levels of each parameter were evaluated. The correlation between the radiological parameters and the spinal cord injury status classified into four categories, A (complete), B (incomplete), C (radiculopathy), and D (normal) was assessed.

Results

The mean Pavlov''s ratio, sagittal diameter, spinal cord area and spinal canal area was 0.84, 12.9 mm, 82.8 mm² and 236.8 mm², respectively. An examination of the correlation between the radiological spinal stenosis and clinical spinal cord injury revealed an increase in the values of the four radiological parameters from cohorts A to D. Pavlov''s ratio was the only parameter showing statistically significant correlation with the clinical status (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

There was a correlation between the underlying spinal stenosis and the development of neurological impairment after a traumatic cervical spine injury. In addition, it is believed that Pavlov''s ratio can be used to help determine and predict the neurological outcome.     

Reevaluation of the Pavlov Ratio in Patients with Cervical Myelopathy

Background

This study was designed to reevaluate the effectiveness of the Pavlov ratio in patients with cervical myelopathy.

Methods

We studied 107 patients who underwent open door laminoplasty for the treatment of cervical myelopathy between the C3 to C7 levels. We determined the Pavlov ratio on preoperative and postoperative cervical spine lateral radiographs, the vertebral body-to-canal ratio on sagittal reconstruction CT scans, and the vertebral body-to-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) column ratio on T2-weighted sagittal MR images from C3 to C6. The severity of myelopathy was determined using the JOA score on both preoperative and postoperative images. The recovery rate was also calculated. The Pavlov ratio in plain radiographs from patients with myelopathy was compared with the ratio of the vertebral body to the spinal canal on CT and MRI.

Results

The average Pavlov ratio between C3 and C6 ranged from 0.71 to 0.76. On CT scan, the average vertebral body-to-canal ratio between C3 and C6 ranged from 0.62 to 0.66. On MRI, the vertebral body-to-CSF column ratio between C3 and C6 ranged between 0.53 and 0.57. A positive correlation was noted between the Pavlov ratio and the vertebral body-to-canal ratio on sagittal-reconstruction CT (correlation coefficient = 0.497-0.627, p = 0.000) and between the Pavlov ratio and the vertebral body-to-CSF column ratio on MRI (correlation coefficient = 0.511-0.649, p = 0.000).

Conclusions

We demonstrated a good correlation between the Pavlov ratio and both the vertebral body-to-canal ratio on CT and the vertebral body-to-CSF column ratio on MRI. Therefore, the Pavlov ratio can be relied upon to predict narrowing of the cervical spinal canal in the sagittal plane.     

急性颈椎损伤MRI表现与脊髓损伤的相关性

目的　探讨MRI检查在判断急性颈椎损伤患者脊髓损伤程度中的作用。方法　对 82例急性颈椎损伤患者在受伤 2 4h内行MRI检查 ,并进行早期连续的临床检查 ,分析MRI表现与脊髓损伤程度之间的相关性。结果　急性颈椎损伤的 10种MRI表现中 ,髓内出血提示完全性脊髓损伤 (FrankelA级 ) ;脊髓肿胀及脊髓水肿多见于FrankelA -C级的病人 ,同时 ,脊髓肿胀及水肿的程度与脊髓损伤程度成正比 ;脊髓受压多见于FrankelA级和FrankelB级的患者 ;颈椎脱位多见于脊髓损伤程度较重 (FrankelA -C级 )的患者 ;椎管狭窄与脊髓损伤程度之间无明确相关性 ,但多见于老年患者 ;颈椎间盘突出、颈椎椎体骨折、颈椎附件骨折及韧带损伤与脊髓损伤程度间无明显相关性。结论　急性颈椎损伤患者早期行MRI检查 ,可以帮助判断脊髓损伤的程度 ,对治疗方法的选择及准确判断预后具有重要的指导意义。     

纵向撞击性损伤对颈椎三维运动稳定性影响的生物力学研究

目的：研究Ｃ２～Ｃ４椎体标本在不同能量的纵向撞击性损伤前后的颈椎三维运动变化，按脊柱稳定性标准划分不同部位颈椎的损伤阈值。方法：１４例成年男性新鲜尸体的Ｃ２～Ｃ４椎体，用脊柱三维运动试验机对颈椎标本施加前屈、后伸、左右侧弯和左右轴向旋转的纯力偶矩，由脊柱三维运动双平面立体测量的计算机图像处理系统得到纵向撞击性损伤前后的颈椎各节段的运动范围（ＲＯＭ）。结果：３０Ｊ能量撞击后，Ｃ２～Ｃ３节段的前屈、右轴向旋转的ＲＯＭ有显著性增加。５０Ｊ能量撞击后，Ｃ２～Ｃ３节段的前屈、后伸和左／右轴向旋转的ＲＯＭ显著性加大。Ｃ３～Ｃ４节段的前屈ＲＯＭ增大显著。结论：撞击能量越大，颈椎丧失稳定性的方向也越多；在相同能量的撞击作用下，不同节段颈椎不稳定的方向不同；多个节段承受纵向撞击作用时，靠近撞击的节段丧失的稳定性方向数目较多。依据稳定性评价得到的损伤阈值低于放射学诊断作出的损伤阈值。     

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Negative Spine Trauma Followed by a Delayed Intravertebral Vacuum Cleft–Kümmell's Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review

BackgroundKümmell''s disease (KD) is a rare clinical entity characterized by delayed post‐traumatic vertebral body collapse, in which an intravertebral vacuum cleft (IVC) is formed. The patient sustained a minor spinal trauma, and their spine X‐ray examinations were negative. However, after an asymptomatic period of months, they developed recurrent back pain because of the progressive vertebral collapse of the affected spine. However, no imaging examination could confirm the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐negative initial spinal trauma followed by delayed vertebral collapse with IVC.Case PresentationWe report a case of KD occurring in a 66‐year‐old postmenopausal patient whose lumbar MRI on sagittal planes were immediately performed following the initial trauma (a ground‐level fall) and revealed that the vertebral integrity or connectivity was not interrupted and the marrow signal was even. After an asymptomatic period of 8 months, the back pain reappeared and progressively exacerbated. The wedge‐shaped change in the T11 vertebra with an IVC was confirmed by lumbar computed tomography and MRI. Finally, KD was diagnosed following extensive routine hematological and biochemical workups. Percutaneous kyphoplasty was performed to relieve her back pain by restoring her vertebral stability.ConclusionsWe confirmed that the OVF was not the first step in the KD sequence, and the IVC ‐ KD ‐ could from an initial MRI‐negative spine trauma.     

Cervical Alignment of Patients with Basilar Invagination: A Radiological Study

ObjectiveTo investigate the cervical alignment and the relative range of motion (ROM) in patients with basilar invagination (BI).MethodsA total of 40 BI cases (38.1 years old ± 17.9 years old, 19 male and 21 female) and 80 asymptomatic individuals (33.8 years old ± 10.8 years old, 40 male and 40 female) were included. The Skull‐C₂/Skull‐BV, Skull‐C₇, C₂‐C₇/BV‐C₇ wall angles, C₀‐C₂/C₀‐BV, C₀‐C₇, C₁‐C₇, and C₂‐C₇/BV‐C₇ angles were measured in dynamic X‐ray images (including neutral, extension, and flexion positions). Correlation between the upper and lower cervical curvatures were analyzed. The total, extension, and flexion ROMs of these angles were calculated, respectively.ResultsThe BI patients had a smaller C₀‐C₂/C₀‐BV angle (18.2° ± 16.4° vs 30.9° ± 9.3°), but larger C₂‐C₇/BV‐C₇ (32.2° ± 16.1° vs 19.4° ± 10.6°) and C₂‐C₇/BV‐C₇ wall angles (37.8° ± 17.2° vs 23.6° ± 10.2°) than the control group in neutral position. The upper and lower curvatures correlated negatively in neutral (r = −0.371), extension (r = −0.429), and flexion (r = −0.648) positions among BI patients, as well as in extension position (r = −0.317) among control group. The BI patients presented smaller total ROMs in Skull‐C₂/Skull‐BV (12.3° ± 16.6° vs 19.7° ± 10.9°), C₀‐C₂/C₀‐BV (8.1° ± 11.1° vs 17.6° ± 10.5°), and C₀‐C₇ angles (57.8° ± 14.2° vs 78.3° ± 17.9°), but a larger total ROM in C₂‐C₇/BV‐C₇ wall angle (52.8° ± 13.9° vs 27.0° ± 16.1°) than the control group. The BI patients also presented smaller extension ROMs in Skull‐C₂/Skull‐BV (6.9° ± 9.4° vs 12.5° ± 9.3°), Skull‐C₇ (24.5° ± 10.9° vs 30.7° ± 12.5°), and C₀‐C₂/C₀‐BV angles (4.4° ± 7.8° vs 9.9° ± 8.6°) than the control group. Moreover, the BI patients showed smaller absolute values of flexion ROMs in Skull‐C₂/Skull‐BV (−5.2° ± 9.4° vs −7.3° ± 8.0°), C₀‐C₂/C₀‐BV (−3.2° ± 8.8° vs −7.7° ± 8.7°), and C₀‐C₇ angles (−33.2° ± 13.0° vs −52.8° ± 19.2°), but a larger absolute value of flexion ROM in C₂‐C₇/BV‐C₇ wall angle (−33.9° ± 14.8° vs −8.2° ± 15.1°).ConclusionThe cervical spine was stiffer in BI patients than the asymptomatic individuals, especially in the upper cervical curvature. The negative correlation between upper and lower cervical curvatures was more obvious in BI patients.     

Surgical Management of Pressure Ulcers During Inpatient Neurologic Rehabilitation: Outcomes for Patients With Spinal Cord Disease

Background/Objective:

To study efficacy of surgery in the management of pressure ulcers and evaluate the effect of simultaneous comprehensive rehabilitation in improving outcome.

Method:

Prospective, follow-up study.

Setting:

Neurologic rehabilitation unit of a tertiary care center.

Participants:

Patients with spinal cord diseases who had stage III/IV pressure ulcers underwent surgical reconstruction and inpatient rehabilitation in 2005 with a minimum follow-up duration of 1 year.

Outcome Measures:

Ulcer healing rate, postoperative complications, ulcers recurrence rate, and neurologic (ASIA grade), and functional recovery (Barthel Index).

Statistical Analysis:

Frequency analysis and paired t test on SPSS 13.0.

Results:

Surgical intervention was carried out in 25 participants (19 men, 6 women), having a total of 39 ulcers (13 Stage III, 23 Stage IV, 3 unstaged). Surgeries performed were debridement (3), split skin grafting (13), and flap mobilization and closure (23). Only 4 participants (16.6%) had initial complications: wound dehiscence (2) and delayed graft healing (2). Follow-up rate was 92.0% (23/25 patients), with a duration of 12 to 21 months (mean, 15.4 ± 7.45 months), and only 4 participants (17.3%) had ulcer recurrence. The majority of participants (13 of 25; 56.5%) improved neurologically on ASIA grade and functional evaluation on Barthel Index, suggesting statistically significant improvement (P < 0.005).

Conclusions:

All outcome variables showed significant improvement at follow-up with good ulcer healing rate (87.0%), low initial complication (16.6%) and recurrence rates (17.3%), and good neurologic (56.5%) and functional (P < 0.005) recovery. Timely surgical interventions are necessary for Stage III to IV pressure ulcers, and simultaneous inpatient rehabilitation significantly improves outcome of patients with spinal cord disease.     

Flexion Model Simulating Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiographic Abnormality in Patients With Ossification of the Longitudinal Ligament: The Influence of Flexion Speed on the Cervical Spine

Background/Objective:

It is suspected that the speed of the motion of the spinal cord under static compression may be the cause of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, little is known about the relationship between the speed of the motion of the spinal cord and its stress distributions. The objective was to carry out a biomechanical study of SCI in patients with ossification of the longitudinal ligament without radiologic evidence of injury.

Methods:

A 3-dimensional finite element spinal cord model was established. After the application of static compression, the model underwent anterior flexion to simulate SCI in ossification of the longitudinal ligament patients without radiologic abnormality. Flexion of the spine was assumed to occur at 1 motor segment. Flexion angle was 5°, and flexion speeds were 0.5°/s, 5°/s, and 50°/s. Stress distributions inside of the spinal cord were evaluated.

Results:

Stresses on the spinal cord increased slightly after the application of 5° of flexion at a speed of 0.5°/s. Stresses became much higher at a speed of 5°/s and increased further at 50°s.

Conclusions:

The stress distribution of the spinal cord under static compression increased with faster flexion speed of the spinal cord. High-speed motion of the spinal cord under static compression may be one of the causes of SCI in the absence of radiologic abnormality.     

Flexion Model Simulating Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiographic Abnormality in Patients With Ossification of the Longitudinal Ligament: The Influence of Flexion Speed on the Cervical Spine

Abstract

Background/Objective: It is suspected that the speed of the motion of the spinal cord under static compression may be the cause of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, little is known about the relationship between the speed of the motion of the spinal cord and its stress distributions. The objective was to carry out a biomechanical study of SCI in patients with ossification of the longitudinal ligament without radiologic evidence of injury.

Methods: A 3-dimensional finite element spinal cord model was established. After the application of static compression, the model underwent anterior flexion to simulate SCI in ossification of the longitudinal ligament patients without radiologic abnormality. Flexion of the spine was assumed to occur at 1 motor segment. Flexion angle was 5°, and flexion speeds were 0.5°/s, 5°/s, and 50°/s. Stress distributions inside of the spinal cord were evaluated.

Results: Stresses on the spinal cord increased slightly after the application of 5° of flexion at a speed of 0.5°/s. Stresses became much higher at a speed of 5°/s and increased further at 50°s.

Conclusions: The stress distribution of the spinal cord under static compression increased with faster flexion speed of the spinal cord. High-speed motion of the spinal cord under static compression may be one of the causes of SCI in the absence of radiologic abnormality.     

A Modified Combined Transseptal/Transnasal Binostril Approach for Pituitary Lesions in Patients with a Narrow Nasal Space: Technical Note

We describe a modification of the combined transseptal/transnasal binostril approach using a two-surgeon, four-handed technique (modified Stamm''s approach) for pituitary lesions in patients with narrow nasal spaces. This approach comprises of a transseptal route through one nostril and a transnasal route without harvesting a pedicled nasoseptal flap (NSF) through the other. On the transseptal side, the nasal septum was removed using an endoscopic septoplasty technique. On the transnasal side, the mucosa containing the septal branch of the sphenopalatine artery over the face of the sphenoid and nasal septum was preserved for harvesting the NSF if an intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak was encountered. This approach was performed in six patients with pituitary lesions, including four nonfunctioning macroadenomas, one growth hormone-producing macroadenoma, and one Rathke''s cleft cyst, all of which were associated with a severe deviation of the nasal septum and/or narrow nasal space. The meticulous and comfortable manipulation of an endoscope and instruments were achieved in all six patients without surgical complications. Our findings, although obtained in a limited number of cases, suggest that the modified Stamm''s approach may be useful for selected patients, particularly those with a severe deviation of the nasal septum, without considerable damage to the nasal passages.     

Advanced Marjolin's ulcer of the scalp in a 13-year-old boy treated by excision and free tissue transfer: Case report and review of literature

Marjolin''s ulcer originates in chronic scars and wounds of diverse origin. This relatively rare tumour is most commonly a squamous cell carcinoma. The reason for malignant transformation is not well understood. The burn scar is a common predilection. We present the youngest patient in the literature, a 13-year-old male with a locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp with intracranial extension following an unhealed burn injury at the age of three. Bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy was also noted. The tumour was excised and the large defect overlying the brain was covered by free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. At four weeks a therapeutic bilateral selective neck dissection was done. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered. This report reiterates the importance of early diagnosis. Free tissue transfer further enhances our ability to cover complex defects associated with excision of advanced lesions.     

Simplified Chinese Version of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score in Evaluating Patients with Metastatic Spinal Tumor: A Cross‐Cultural Adaptation and Validation

ObjectiveTo translate the original English version of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) into simplified Chinese, adapt it cross‐culturally, validate its psychometric properties in measuring spinal instability in patients with metastatic spinal tumors in the Chinese mainland, examine the reliability and validity to demonstrate its accuracy and applicability in clinical practice.MethodsPatients diagnosed with metastatic spinal disease between January 2016 and January 2020 were recruited. The number of participants was advised to be at least 50 for appropriate analysis of reliability, construct validity, as well as ceiling or floor effects, and recruitment of 100 patients was advised for internal consistency analysis. The study was conducted in two phases: first, the SINS was translated into simplified Chinese; second, the factor structure, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, validity, and floor and ceiling effects of the SC‐SINS were assessed. The internationally recognized cross‐cultural adaptation guidelines were followed. Internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach''s alpha. Test–retest reliability was examined among the patients with a 4‐week interval. The validity of the Chinese version of SINS (SC‐SINS) was assessed by examining its relationship with Kostuik classification. Principal component analysis was conducted to confirm the factor structure of each subscale.ResultsA total of 160 participants (88 males and 72 females) were enrolled. No major difficulties occurred in the forward and backward translations of SINS. The internal consistency of SC‐SINS was excellent (Cronbach''s α =0.857, ranging from 0.68 to 0.85). Test–retest reliability was also excellent with a value of 0.89, ranging from 0.86 to 0.95. Validity analyses indicated that the SC‐SINS was positively and significantly correlated with Kostuik classification. The correlation between “Posterolateral Involvement of Spinal Elements” and “1‐2 Partial Damage” was the highest with a correlation value of 0.792. The correlation between “Pain” and “1–2 Partial Damage” was the lowest with a value of 0.341. All items showed principal component coefficients greater than 0.4. The values of Factor 1 ranged from 0.523 to 0.681; Factor 2 ranged from 0.591 to 0.731; Factor 3 ranged from 0.613 to 0.754; Factor 4 ranged from 0.461 to 0.711; Factor 5 ranged from 0.513 to 0.701; and Factor 6 ranged from 0.501 to 0.668. In addition, neither floor nor ceiling effects were seen in the SC‐SINS.ConclusionThe SC‐SINS demonstrated high internal consistency and test–retest reliability, which has been proven valid and reliable to measure spinal stability in patients from the Chinese mainland with metastatic spinal tumor.     

The implications of the foot health status in Parkinson patients: A case–control study

Parkinson''s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects both health of the feet, as to gait patterns. This study aimed to find out about foot problems and their impact on self‐perceived quality of life and related to foot health in Parkinson''s patients compared to a group of healthy subjects and to measure it with Spanish Podiatry Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐S). It is about a case–control study in a sample of Parkinson''s patients n = 62, healthy controls n = 62. The PHQ‐S was reported, it describes perception the subject has in each of podiatric 6 dimensions consulted, assessing appreciation of health status of interviewee''s feet and a self‐rated the foot health score on the visual analog scale (VAS). There were statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the dimensions that assessed problems with walking and moving, nail trimming, concern feet state, and affectation of quality of life related foot health. Regarding the self‐perception of state of their feet, Parkinson''s patients perceive a worse state of health of their feet than healthy subjects. The mean value was 4.8 (SD 2.2) for Parkinson''s patients and 3.8 (SD 2.3) for healthy subjects. In conclusion, patients with PD have problems in walking or moving, foot pain, difficulties in foot hygiene and in cutting for their nails, as well as the concern they suffer from deterioration in state of their feet affect them and decrease their quality of life. Podiatric problems in Parkinson''s patients have a great impact in reducing quality of life related to foot health.     

Osteosarcoma of the Mandible in a Patient with Florid Cemento-Osseous Dysplasia and Li–Fraumeni Syndrome: A Rare Coincidence

Cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) is the most common benign fibro-osseous lesion of the jaws and generally considered non-neoplastic and self-limited. Here, we present a 30-year old female who noticed a bilateral swelling of her posterior mandible with irregular periapical mineralization and incomplete root resorption on panoramic radiographs. A biopsy revealed florid COD and no further treatment was initiated. 9 years later, she presented with a progressive expansion of her left posterior mandible after being treated for bilateral breast cancer 4 and 8 years before. CT scans showed expansile and densely mineralized lesions in all four quadrants with the left posterior mandible showing a focal penetration of the buccal cortical bone. Biopsies revealed an osteoblastic high-grade osteosarcoma in the left and a COD in the right mandible, notably with cellular atypia in the spindle cell component. The patient underwent segmental resection of the left mandible with clear margins and adjuvant chemotherapy. Subsequent genetic testing identified a heterozygous germline TP53 mutation (p.V173G) which confirmed the clinically suspected Li–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS). 3 years after the resection, the patient is free of disease and the other foci of COD remained stable in size on follow-up imaging analyses. Our case illustrates LFS-related osteosarcoma developing within florid COD. Given the rarity of this coincidence, a causative relation between the two lesions seems unlikely but in patients with tumor predisposition syndromes it might be advisable to closely monitor even benign lesions like COD.     

Assessment of Quality of Life for Scheuermann’s Kyphosis Patients with Cobb’s Angle 50°–65° Treated Conservatively or Surgically in North Jordan: A Prospective Comparative Study

BackgroundScheuermann’s disease is the most common cause of hyperkyphosis of the thoracic spine during the adolescence period. It causes neck and lower back pain, restriction of lung expansion, traction of the spinal cord, increased vulnerability to vertebral fracture, and a hump. Patients with curves < 60° are treated conservatively, while surgery is used for patients with curves > 60°. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to assess the quality of life and functional changes in conservatively or surgically treated Scheuermann’s disease patients with a curve size of 50°–65° in north Jordan.MethodsSixty-three adolescent patients with Scheuermann’s kyphosis (aged between 10 and 18 years) were treated at our hospital between January 2014 and August 2018. All patients were investigated clinically, radiologically (Cobb’s angle), and functionally (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], Scoliosis Research Society 22 revision [SRS-22r] questionnaire, and pulmonary function test [PFT]) pre- and post-treatment (final follow-up). Patients were randomly selected for treatment method (conservative versus surgical).ResultsThere were 31 patients (mean age, 15.48 ± 2.50 years) and 32 patients (mean age, 16.19 ± 1.51 years) treated conservatively and surgically, respectively. Mean ± standard deviation of ODI, SRS-22r, and Cobb’s angle of the surgical group improved from 16.8% ± 14.3%, 3.5 ± 0.5, and 58.75° ± 3.59°, respectively, pre-surgery to 13.4% ± 10.8%, 4.2 ± 0.5, and 41.53° ± 3.94°, respectively, post-surgery, while those of the conservative group became worse from 12.6% ± 13.4%, 3.9 ± 0.7, and 56.1° ± 3.3°, respectively, to 20.1% ± 13.6%, 3.5 ± 0.7, and 58.8° ± 5.8°, respectively. The surgical group showed better improvement in all scores than the conservative group (p < 0.05), as well as in PFT.ConclusionsSurgical treatment of Scheuermann’s kyphosis with curves of 50°–65° resulted in better QOL, Cobb’s angle, and PFT than conservative treatment. This was because of lower patient cooperation in the conservative management group, which made the curve less flexible for exercises and bracing.     

Patient Satisfaction with AbobotulinumtoxinA for Aesthetic Use in the Upper Face: A Systematic Literature Review and Post-hoc Analysis of the APPEAL Study

BACKGROUND: AbobotulinumtoxinA (AboBoNT-A; Dysport^®; Ipsen, Boulogne-Billancourt, France/Azzalure^®; Galderma, Lausanne, Switzerland) is a botulinum neurotoxin type A approved for aesthetic use in the treatment of glabellar lines in adult patients under 65 years in Europe, the United States, and other countries. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze current literature on patient satisfaction with aboBoNT-A for upper facial aesthetic indications. METHODS: A systematic review of literature databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) was performed to identify English-language publications reporting on patients with aesthetic indications (including glabellar lines and wrinkles) receiving aboBoNT-A, that assessed patient and/or physician satisfaction with treatment, with no restrictions on comparator studies. Structured data extraction was used to enable inter-study analysis. A post-hoc analysis was also performed to assess patient satisfaction by sex and age, using results from the noninterventional APPEAL study of patients’ satisfaction with aboBoNT-A for treating glabellar lines. RESULTS: Overall, 22 original research papers were identified. Patient satisfaction rates for aboBoNT-A treatment were significantly higher versus placebo from two weeks to between three and five months postinjection. At two to three weeks postinjection, patient satisfaction rates were 52% and 99% across studies. In studies with later time points, patient satisfaction rates were 85 to 87 percent at 5 months and between 25 and 100 percent at 6 months post-injection. Physician satisfaction was also high (97%–100%, across three treatments). No notable differences in patient satisfaction by sex or age were observed in the APPEAL study. CONCLUSION: High rates of patient satisfaction have been achieved with aboBoNT-A treatment for upper facial aesthetic indications. Despite the current recommended interval of ≥12 weeks, satisfaction with the aesthetic results of aboBoNT-A therapy is still evident up to 6 months post-injection in some patients.