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Hannaford A, Paling E, Silsby M, Vincenten S, van Alfen N, Simon NG. Electrodiagnostic studies and new diagnostic modalities for evaluation of peripheral nerve disorders. Muscle Nerve 2024; 69:653-669. [PMID: 38433118 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Electrodiagnostic studies (EDx) are frequently performed in the diagnostic evaluation of peripheral nerve disorders. There is increasing interest in the use of newer, alternative diagnostic modalities, in particular imaging, either to complement or replace established EDx protocols. However, the evidence to support this approach has not been expansively reviewed. In this paper, diagnostic performance data from studies of EDx and other diagnostic modalities in common peripheral nerve disorders have been analyzed and described, with a focus on radiculopathy, plexopathy, compressive neuropathies, and the important neuropathy subtypes of Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), vasculitic neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy. Overall EDx retains its place as a primary diagnostic modality in the evaluated peripheral nerve disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound have developed important complementary diagnostic roles in compressive and traumatic neuropathies and atypical CIDP, but their value is more limited in other neuropathy subtypes. Identification of hourglass constriction in nerves of patients with neuralgic amyotrophy may have therapeutic implications. Investigation of radiculopathy is confounded by poor correlation between clinical features and imaging findings and the lack of a diagnostic gold standard. There is a need to enhance the literature on the utility of these newer diagnostic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Hannaford
- Department of Neurology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Brain and Nerve Research Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elijah Paling
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew Silsby
- Department of Neurology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Brain and Nerve Research Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sanne Vincenten
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Center for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nens van Alfen
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Center for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Neil G Simon
- Northern Beaches Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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McGuire T, Haig AJ. A review of electromyography techniques of the cervical paraspinal muscles. PM R 2024; 16:287-294. [PMID: 37528546 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.13047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Electrodiagnosis for cervical radiculopathy often involves exploration of the cervical paraspinal muscles. Accurate and reproducible results require a technique with specific anatomic localization, direction of insertion, extent of insertion, scoring system for insertion, and criteria for determining abnormality. We sought to understand if a published technique met these criteria. A Medline search found 39 articles with original research and 10 review articles involving the cervical paraspinals. A library search found 19 textbooks since 2000, but 9 were not available. Only two studies were specific to the question. Neither had reproducible techniques and they contradicted each other. Studies in which the paraspinals were used for comparison or inclusion did not provide any specific technique. The review articles and textbooks typically met none of our criteria and the few that discussed technique at all provided no reproducible methods. Despite 80 years of electrodiagnostic testing, there is no useful, reproducible technique for exploring the cervical paraspinal muscles. Yet such a paraspinal mapping technique has proven invaluable in the lumbar region. For cervical electromyography to be of value, the next step is to understand the anatomy and propose a reproducible technique. Subsequent research will determine whether the neck muscles are helpful in the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. The absence of a valid reproducible cervical paraspinal technique impedes clinical and scientific understanding of cervical radiculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew J Haig
- Haig Physical Medicine PLC, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Joaquim AF, Martins CR, Riew KD. How Knowledgeable Are Spine Surgeons Regarding EMG-NCS for Cervical Spine Conditions? An International Aospine Survey. Global Spine J 2023; 13:2033-2046. [PMID: 35044872 PMCID: PMC10556916 DOI: 10.1177/21925682211068795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional, international survey. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the knowledge of spine surgeons regarding the use of electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) for degenerative cervical spine conditions (DCC). METHODS All members of AO Spine International were emailed an anonymous survey to evaluate their clinical knowledge about the use of EMG and nerve conduction studies for DCC. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results, as well as to compare the answers among different groups of surgeons and assess demographic characteristics. RESULTS A total of 402 participants answered the survey, 91.79% were men from the 5 continents. There were 221 orthopedic surgeons (55.39%) and 171 neurosurgeons (42.86%), more than a half of them with a complete spinal fellowship (56.44%). The most common reasons that surgeons obtain the test is to differentiate a radiculopathy from a peripheral nerve compression (88.06%). As a group, the responding surgeons' knowledge regarding EMG-NCS was poor. Only 53.46% of surgeons correctly answered that EMG-NCS is unable to differentiate a C5 from a C6 radiculopathy. Only 23.47% of the surgeons knew that EMG-NCS are not able to diagnose a pre vs a post-fixed brachial plexus. Only 25% of the surgeons correctly answered a question regarding the test's ability to diagnose other neurological diseases. CONCLUSIONS We found that our respondents' knowledge regarding EMG-NCS for DCC was poor. Identifying the weak points of knowledge about EMG-NCS may help to educate surgeons on the indications for the test and the proper way to interpret the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Fernandes Joaquim
- Professor of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurology, Discipline of Neurosurgery, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Roberto Martins
- Neurophysiologist, Department of Neurology, Discipline of Neurology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas-SP, Brazil
| | - K. Daniel Riew
- Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill-Cornell Medical Center, The Och Spine Hospital at New York-Presbyterian, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Dillingham TR, Annaswamy TM, Plastaras CT. Evaluation of persons with suspected lumbosacral and cervical radiculopathy: Electrodiagnostic assessment and implications for treatment and outcomes (Part II). Muscle Nerve 2020; 62:474-484. [PMID: 32564381 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The electrodiagnostic (EDX) examination with needle electromyography (EMG) is the most important means of testing for radiculopathy. This test has modest sensitivity but high specificity and complements imaging of the spine. In this second of a two-part review, the implications of electrodiagnostic findings for diagnosis and clinical management of persons with radiculopathy are reviewed. An EMG confirmed lumbosacral radiculopathy is associated with better clinical outcomes for persons undergoing aggressive conservative management. A positive EMG test portends a better clinical response to epidural corticosteroid injections. If a person undergoes spine surgery, a positive pre-operative EMG for radiculopathy is also associated with better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R Dillingham
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thiru M Annaswamy
- Electrodiagnostic and Spine Sections, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas VA Medical Center, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher T Plastaras
- Musculoskeletal Spine & Sports Rehabilitation Medicine, MossRehab, Einstein Spine Institute, Co-Chair, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Rehabilitation Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Jeppesen TD, Levison L, Codeluppi L, Krarup C. Quantitative electromyography: Normative data in paraspinal muscles. Muscle Nerve 2020; 62:358-362. [PMID: 32530492 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantitative electromyography of paraspinal muscle is a valuable diagnostic tool, but normative data are lacking. METHODS Needle electromyography (EMG) was obtained in 65 healthy subjects (49% men, 51% women) aged 21 to 82 years at C7, Th10, and L5 segments bilaterally. The incidence of spontaneous activity; motor unit potential (MUP) amplitudes, durations, and the incidence of polyphasic potentials; and the recruitment pattern at maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) were evaluated. RESULTS The incidence of fibrillation potentials was similar to limb muscles. The mean MUP duration and amplitude, and the amplitude at MVC increased caudally, while the incidence of polyphasic potentials was similar at all levels. EMG parameters did not correlate with sex or age. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to limb muscles, EMG parameters did not change with age, while polyphasic potentials were more frequent in paraspinal muscle than in limb muscles. The EMG gradient suggests larger motor units at more caudal segments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina D Jeppesen
- Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lotte Levison
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Luca Codeluppi
- Department of Neurology Unit, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Christian Krarup
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Robbins GT, Tucker BG, Stashuk DW, Dillingham TR. Average proportional consecutive interval difference accurately differentiates spontaneous activity from motor unit potentials. Muscle Nerve 2019; 60:566-570. [PMID: 31443123 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An objective method is required to detect spontaneous activity (SA) for prevalence studies in needle electromyography (EMG). Because of frequent similarities in the morphology of SA and motor unit potentials (MUP), identification of SA depends on assessment of firing regularity, which has not yet been quantitated through a modern interface. METHODS Prospective recordings obtained from patients referred for electrodiagnostic evaluation were analyzed by using decomposition-based quantitative EMG (DQEMG) customized to calculate descriptive statistics. RESULTS Forty-four MUP recordings (39 participants) and 80 SA recordings (62 participants) were analyzed. One hundred one of 124 recordings successfully interfaced with DQEMG. The remaining recordings were analyzed in Audacity. Average proportional consecutive interval differences differentiated SA from MUPs with 97.5% sensitivity (confidence interval [CI] 91.3%-99.7%) and 100.0% specificity (CI 92%-100%). There was substantial overlap, however, for SD and mean consecutive differences. DISCUSSION Average proportional consecutive interval difference accurately differentiates SA from MUPs and may be useful in future prevalence studies of SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory T Robbins
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Bradley G Tucker
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel W Stashuk
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, Waterloo University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Timothy R Dillingham
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Jenkins TM, Alix JJ, Kandler RH, Shaw PJ, McDermott CJ. The role of cranial and thoracic electromyography within diagnostic criteria for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle Nerve 2016; 54:378-85. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.25062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Jenkins
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience; University of Sheffield; 385A Glossop Road Sheffield S10 2HQ UK
| | - James J.P. Alix
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience; University of Sheffield; 385A Glossop Road Sheffield S10 2HQ UK
| | - Rosalind H. Kandler
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology; Royal Hallamshire Hospital; Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Sheffield UK
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience; University of Sheffield; 385A Glossop Road Sheffield S10 2HQ UK
| | - Christopher J. McDermott
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience; University of Sheffield; 385A Glossop Road Sheffield S10 2HQ UK
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Charles JA, Souayah N. EMG/NCS in the evaluation of spine trauma with radicular symptoms. Neurol Clin Pract 2013; 3:8-14. [PMID: 29406535 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0b013e318283ff78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the management of spine trauma with radicular symptoms (STRS), EMG/nerve conduction studies (NCS) often have low combined sensitivity and specificity in confirming root injury. The anatomic level of injury may not correspond to the root level. Paraspinal studies are nonlocalizing and can be falsely positive and negative. Unlike MRI and CT imaging, EMG/NCS do not reveal the biological morphology of the lesion. There are no studies that confirm the efficacy of EMG/NCS in the management of STRS. EMG/NCS may be indicated if there is a differential diagnosis between a root and distal neuropathic/myopathic lesion. Otherwise, as shown in this series of cases typically referred for outpatient EMG/NCS testing, there is limited evidence to support the use of often uncomfortable and costly EMG/NCS in STRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Charles
- Department of Neurosciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark
| | - Nizar Souayah
- Department of Neurosciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark
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Kuijper B, Tans JTJ, Schimsheimer RJ, van der Kallen BFW, Beelen A, Nollet F, de Visser M. Degenerative cervical radiculopathy: diagnosis and conservative treatment. A review. Eur J Neurol 2009; 16:15-20. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2008.02365.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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