EMG BEFORE AND AFTER CERVICAL ANTERIOR DISKECTOMY

Introduction - In patients with cervical root syndromes, the relation between clinical findings and EMG results, the value of the registrati on of the H-reflex latency of the flexor carpi radial muscle (HFCR) an d the rate of recovery of EMG abnormalities following surgery are uncl ear. Methods - In 68 patients with cervical radicular syndromes caused by intervertebral disc lesions, EMG was made shortly before anterior cervical discectomy and four months later. EMG consisted of needle myo graphy and bilateral determination of the HFCR. Results - Results of H FCR were unrelated to findings on needle myography. Preoperative EMG a bnormalities were related to more severe clinical and myelographic fin dings. A preoperative abnormal HFCR correlated with good clinical outc ome. No relation was found between the clinical outcome and EMG-findin gs during follow-up. Conclusion - Determination of HFRC is a useful EM G-test, but further comparison to tendon reflexes is necessary. EMG id entifies patients with more severe root lesions, but cannot be used fo r evaluation of persistent complaints within the first half year follo wing surgery.