Long-term outcome of iontophoresis treatment for torticollis.

In 1969, a patient with torticollis was successfully treated by a procedure called iontophoresis. Between 1958 and 1972 223 patients with torticollis were treated with this procedure. 88 of these patients (39%) were located and 56 (25% of the total, 64% of those located) returned a survey regarding their condition. 28 (13% of the total, 32% of those located, 50% of those responding) enjoyed an initial period of improvement. Of these, 16 patients (7% of the total, 18% of those located, 29% of those responding, 51% of those with initial improvement) reported sustained improvement through the time of the survey. However, 5 of these patients had additional treatment with botulinum toxin or selective denervation. We conclude that the long term effectiveness of iontophoresis treatment in the course of torticollis is minimal.