![]() In all cases, myotomal weakness was the most accurate predictor of root disease. Combined presence of dermatomal pain or numbness with segmental reflex loss and myotomal weakness approached specificities of 78% (lumbosacral disease) and 99% (cervical disease). Dermatomal pain was the most sensitive, and segmental reflex loss and myotomal weakness the most specific individual predictors of root disease. EMG evidence of root disease was detected in 31% of cervical and 62% of lumbosacral referrals. Analysis was based on computation of sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy.Ī total of 200 patients (55% male mean age 46.4 years 38% suspected of cervical and 62% of lumbosacral disease) were included. EMG examination to confirm root compression was conducted per standard protocols. Presence of clinical features suggesting root disease (neck or back pain, dermatomal pain or numbness, myotomal weakness, segmental reflex loss, and straight leg-raising) was recorded prior to testing. To improve patient selection for testing, we sought to identify clinical features that would accurately predict presence of radiculopathy on EMG.Īdult patients consecutively evaluated for suspected cervical or lumbosacral root compression at an academic clinical neurophysiology laboratory were prospectively enrolled. Electromyography (EMG) for suspected cervical or lumbosacral root compression is often negative, producing expense and physical discomfort that could have been avoided. ![]()
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