[Value of a rapid method to determine muscle fiber density in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]

We shortened single fiber electromyography examination by evaluating fiber density, jitter and block numbers in the 10th and the 20th different needle positions in the extensor digitorum communis. The results obtained in 15 normal subjects and 12 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients were comparated. There were no significant differences with the 10th and 20th needle positions in normal subjects or in patients. This method diminished patient discomfort and shortened the examination time.