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Electrophysiological Changes After Human Muscle Tear: A Potential Confounder.
Sandra L Hearn1, Hassen M Berri, Ann A Little
1From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (SLH, HMB, JKR); and Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan (AAL, JWT).
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|November 9, 2019
Summary
This study tracked electromyography (EMG) changes in a gastrocnemius muscle after injury. Findings show initial increased activity followed by chronic neurogenic changes, aiding accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Musculoskeletal System
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Traumatic muscle tears can lead to complex electrophysiological changes.
- Understanding the temporal progression of these changes is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Observation:
- Serial needle electromyography (EMG) was performed on a human gastrocnemius muscle post-traumatic tear.
- Electromyography (EMG) findings were analyzed at 5, 15, and 26 weeks post-injury, with the contralateral muscle as a control.
Findings:
- Initially, increased insertional activity was observed at 5 weeks post-injury.
- By 15 weeks, insertional activity decreased, but chronic neurogenic morphological changes in motor unit action potentials emerged.
- These neurogenic changes persisted at 26 weeks, indicating long-term effects.
Implications:
- The study demonstrates a chronological pattern of electromyography (EMG) changes following muscle trauma in humans.
- These findings parallel previously observed changes in animal models.
- Awareness of this phenomenon is essential for electrodiagnosticians to prevent misinterpretation in patients with muscle trauma history.
