Article

The aims of this study were to investigate the correlation of the
findings of multiple median and ulnar F-wave variables and magnetic resonance
imaging examinations in the prediction of cervical radiculopathy. DESIGN: The
data of 68 patients who underwent both nerve conduction studies of the upper
extremities and cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging within 3 mos of the
nerve conduction studies were retrospectively reviewed and reinterpreted. The
associations between multiple median and ulnar F-wave variables (including
persistence, chronodispersion, and minimal, maximal, and mean latencies) and
magnetic resonance imaging evidence of lower cervical spondylotic radiculopathy
(i.e., C7, C8, and T1 radiculopathy) were investigated. RESULTS: Patients with
lower cervical radiculopathy exhibited reduced right median F-wave persistence (P
= 0.011), increased right ulnar F-wave chronodispersion (P = 0.041), and a trend
toward increased left ulnar F-wave chronodispersion (P = 0.059); however, there
were no other consistent significant differences in the F-wave variables between
patients with and patients without magnetic resonance imaging evidence of lower
cervical radiculopathy. In comparison with normal reference values established
previously, the sensitivity and positive predictive value of F-wave variable
abnormalities for predicting lower cervical radiculopathy were low. CONCLUSIONS:
There was a low correlation between F-wave studies and magnetic resonance imaging
examinations. The diagnostic utility of multiple F-wave variables in the
prediction of cervical radiculopathy was not supported by this study.

Langue : ANGLAIS