Screening Test of Cervical Radiculopathy Using Needle Electromyography

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2007;3(2):64-68.
Published online May 10, 2007.

Abstract

Objectives : To determine the optimal electromyographic screening examination of the upper limb that ensures detection of those cervical radiculopathies, which can be electrodiagnostically confirmed, yet minimize the number of muscles studied. Methods : We analyzed the electrodiagnostic data of 104 patients who were diagnosed cervical radiculopathy by electrodiagnosis at the department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Yongdong Severance hospital. The Eletrodiagnostic data of each patient was reconstructed by three muscle group, four muscle group, five muscle group which were including all nerve roots of C5 to T1 levels. Identification of screening test was defined as abnormal spontaneous activities were recorded in muscle group. We compare the identification ratio of each muscle group of screening test. Results : Identification ratios of three muscle group, four muscle group, and five muscle group were 97.1% to 98.7%, 96.1% to 100%, and 98.0% to 100% respectively. Identification ratio of four and five muscle group showed marginal increases of comparing to those of three muscle group. Conclusion : This study demonstrated that three muscle screening test including C5 to T1 root level is sufficient to identify cervical radiculopathy. This will save examiners’ time and reduce patients’ discomfort.

Key Words: Radiculopathy, Electromyography, Electrodiagnosis, Cervical region