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Electromyography in paraspinal muscles following surgery for root compression
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|February 1, 1975
Summary
Electromyography (EMG) of paraspinal muscles after laminectomy can reveal abnormalities for up to 41 months, even without recurrent radiculopathy. These EMG changes are common at multiple levels and distances from the spine.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Spinal Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Laminectomy for lumbosacral root compression can lead to post-operative changes.
- Electromyography (EMG) is used to assess nerve and muscle function.
- Distinguishing between post-surgical changes and recurrent radiculopathy is clinically important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the utility of paraspinal muscle EMG in patients following laminectomy for suspected recurrent radiculopathy.
- To identify the prevalence and characteristics of EMG abnormalities in the paraspinal muscles after laminectomy.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography (EMG) was performed on the paraspinal muscles of 20 patients post-laminectomy.
- Patients selected had no evidence of recurrent radiculopathy.
- EMG was conducted at 1 cm and 3 cm lateral to the midline from L3 to S2.
Main Results:
- Seventeen out of 20 patients (85%) exhibited EMG abnormalities.
- Abnormalities were found at three or more vertebral levels in 15 patients.
- Abnormalities were present at both 1 cm and 3 cm from the midline in 13 patients.
Conclusions:
- Paraspinal muscle EMG abnormalities can persist for up to 41 months after laminectomy, independent of recurrent radiculopathy.
- These EMG findings are typically widespread across multiple vertebral levels and distances from the midline.
- EMG of paraspinal muscles is a valuable tool for evaluating patients with suspected recurrent radiculopathy after laminectomy.