Affiliations: Department of Neurology and EMG Laboratory, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: V.E. Drory, MD, Department of Neurology and EMG Laboratory, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6, Weizmann Street, 64239 Tel-Aviv, Israel. Tel.: +97 23 6973689; Fax: +97 23 6974630; E-mail: vdrory@post.tau.ac.il
Abstract: We analyzed retrospectively electromyographic evaluations of 76 patients with stable post-traumatic lumbar radiculopathies who underwent repeated electrodiagnostic examinations. Their median time from injury was 4.5 years. Median time between examinations was 21 months. In 36 (46%) there was no significant change. 18 patients (24%) showed mild improvement, 8 (11%) marked improvement, 12 (16%) mild deterioration and 2 (3%) had severe deterioration. Patients who improved were examined usually shorter time after injury. None improved more than eight years after the injury. Marked worsening between examinations was seen only in older patients. A significant difference between examinations could be observed until up to 44 months after the first. In conclusion, significant late changes of the EMG are rare in patients with stable traumatic radiculopathies, but can occur also after years.
