In 131 patients treated exclusively by selective denervation during the past 10 years, all or almost all the abnormal movements of spasmodic toricollis were suppressed in 115 (88%) while preserving posture and mobility. This approach was also used in certain forms of adult-onset dystonia. An appreciable amount of abnormal movements remained in the other patients, either due to residual innervation or because of limitation of denervation necessary to preserve normal movements (laterocollis) or neck stability (retrocollis). A medio-lateral approach to the posterior cervical region in the sitting position using stimulation under light anaesthesia is recommended.

No abstract