[Cauda equina neurography. Results from normal persons and patients with lumbosacral root compression syndrome]

The results with the cauda-equina-neurography in more than 150 patients demonstrate a value for differentiation of lumbosacral disorders. The action potentials of normal adults are mostly biphasic, have the same configuration for both sides and their amplitude is between 0,3 and 20 uV. The conduction velocity decreases with age for both nerves. In cases of lumbosacral disorders with isolated nerve root affection by discogenic compressions the potentials are delayed, reduced, polyphasic or absent. Mostly the clinical, electromyographic, myelographic and surgical results correspond with neurographic examination. The examination is possible since technical problems permit a good differentiation and localisation of root lesions.