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Muscular hypertrophy after chronic radiculopathy
Archives of Neurology
|April 1, 1984
Summary
Calf muscle hypertrophy, a rare finding in neurogenic lesions, was observed in four sciatica patients. Muscle biopsies revealed enlarged type 1 and type 2 muscle fibers, suggesting a neurogenic cause possibly due to stretch and exercise.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Muscle Physiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Sciatica can lead to various neuromuscular complications.
- Muscle hypertrophy is an uncommon manifestation of neurogenic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of calf muscle hypertrophy in patients with sciatica.
- To explore the potential mechanisms behind this rare neurogenic finding.
Main Methods:
- Case study of four patients presenting with sciatica and subsequent calf muscle hypertrophy.
- Electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle denervation.
- Muscle biopsy to examine muscle fiber morphology.
Main Results:
- All four patients exhibited calf muscle hypertrophy following sciatica onset.
- EMG confirmed signs of denervation in the hypertrophic muscles.
- Muscle biopsies showed significant hypertrophy of both type 1 and type 2 muscle fibers.
Conclusions:
- Calf muscle hypertrophy can be a rare consequence of neurogenic lesions like sciatica.
- Neurogenic muscle hypertrophy may be attributed to factors such as muscle stretch and exercise.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the pathophysiology of this condition.