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The lower subscapular nerve conduction studies and utilisation in brachial plexopathy evaluation.
Kumar M Prakash1, Stephanie M C Fook-Chong, Teng H Leoh
1Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute (SGH campus), Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore. gnrpk@sgh.com.sg
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|May 2, 2006
Summary
Nerve conduction studies (NCS) for the lower subscapular nerve are reliable and well-tolerated. This method effectively aids in diagnosing brachial plexopathy by identifying reduced nerve amplitudes.
Area of Science:
- Neurophysiology
- Clinical Electrophysiology
- Musculoskeletal Medicine
Background:
- The lower subscapular nerve innervates key muscles for shoulder function.
- Accurate electrodiagnostic assessment of this nerve is crucial for diagnosing peripheral nerve disorders.
- Standardized nerve conduction study (NCS) protocols are needed for reliable evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an optimal nerve conduction study (NCS) method for the lower subscapular nerve.
- To assess the clinical utility of this NCS method in patient evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Thirty healthy adults underwent NCS of the lower subscapular nerve using a Dantec Counterpoint EMG machine.
- Sixty nerves were studied in total, with normative data collected.
- Six patients with diagnosed brachial plexopathy were also evaluated using the established NCS protocol.
Main Results:
- Normative values for distal latencies, base-to-peak amplitudes, and inter-side amplitude ratio were determined.
- A significant inverse correlation was observed between subject age and base-to-peak amplitudes.
- All patients with brachial plexopathy exhibited reduced base-to-peak amplitudes and inter-side amplitude ratios below normal limits.
Conclusions:
- Lower subscapular nerve NCS is a recordable and well-tolerated electrodiagnostic technique.
- This NCS method demonstrates significant clinical utility in the assessment of brachial plexopathy.
- The findings support the integration of this NCS protocol into routine clinical practice for nerve injury evaluation.