Comprehensive Summary
Pisa Syndrome (PS) is a posture problem in which an individual leans toward one side of their body, resulting in lateral trunk flexion. To correct this posture problem, interventions have been considered to prevent future physical limitations. The treatments proposed in this study involve Botulinum toxin (BTX) and Deep-brain stimulation (DBS). A review was conducted with studies that contained BTX or DBS interventions for PS in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Outcomes assessed lateral trunk flexion angles, pain scores, clinical scales assessing posture, and meta-analyses of BTX outcomes. Analysis of the BTX outcome studies shows a reduction in the LTF angle and pain scores. For the DBS model, the majority also saw an improvement in trunk posture. This review shows that BTX and DBS are effective treatments for PS in PD patients; however, there is still insufficient evidence for DBS.
Outcomes and Implications
Parkinson’s Disease affects a variety of patients and cannot only have neuro-developmental issues, but also issues with posture and motility. This could lead to severe disability in Parkinson’s patients, which is why interventions should be assessed. Furthermore, BTX is a promising injection that can relax overactive muscles that are leaning, which can be extremely beneficial in Pisa Syndrome that can develop at the onset of Parkinson’s.