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EMG before and after cervical anterior discectomy
M J van den Bent1, J Oosting, D M Laman
1Department of Neurology, Dr. Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|October 1, 1995
Summary
The H-reflex latency of the flexor carpi radialis muscle (HFCR) is a useful electrodiagnostic (EMG) test for cervical root syndromes, correlating with good surgical outcomes. However, EMG cannot evaluate persistent post-surgery complaints within six months.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Electromyography
Background:
- Cervical root syndromes present diagnostic challenges regarding clinical findings and electrodiagnostic testing (EMG).
- The prognostic value of H-reflex latency of the flexor carpi radialis muscle (HFCR) and postsurgical EMG recovery in these patients remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between clinical presentation, EMG findings (including HFCR), and surgical outcomes in cervical radicular syndromes.
- To assess the utility of HFCR and needle myography in predicting clinical outcomes after anterior cervical discectomy.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-eight patients with cervical radicular syndromes underwent EMG (needle myography and bilateral HFCR) before and four months after anterior cervical discectomy.
- Clinical outcomes and EMG results were correlated with preoperative findings and surgical interventions.
Main Results:
- HFCR results were independent of needle myography findings.
- Preoperative EMG abnormalities correlated with more severe clinical and myelographic findings.
- A preoperative abnormal HFCR predicted a good clinical outcome, but follow-up EMG did not correlate with clinical outcome.
Conclusions:
- HFCR is a valuable EMG test for cervical root syndromes, though further comparison with tendon reflexes is warranted.
- EMG effectively identifies severe root lesions but is not suitable for evaluating persistent complaints within six months post-surgery.