The logical choice of muscles for the needle-EMG evaluation of lumbosacral radiculopathy.

The objective of this study was to find the theoretically smallest subsets of muscles for needle-EMG (nEMG) screening of lumbosacral radiculopathies that ascertain that each root and its adjacent roots are represented by at least two muscles each, innervated by those roots via different peripheral nerves. A 23 and a 30 muscles muscle-sets and their myotomal innervation where derived from the literature, and rearranged into 15 and 19 unique muscle-groups by root and peripheral nerve innervation. All 2(15) and 2(19) subset combinations thereof were respectively identified.

The logical choice of muscles for the needle-electromyography evaluation of cervical radiculopathy.

Objective: To find the theoretically smallest subsets of muscles for needle-electromyography screening of cervical radiculopathies that meet or exceed the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AAEM) guideline: ascertaining that each root and its adjacent roots are represented by at least 2 muscles each, innervated by those roots via different peripheral nerves.

Design: Twenty-two and 36 muscle sets and their myotomal innervation were derived from the literature, and rearranged into 15 and 23 unique muscle groups by root and peripheral nerve innervation. All 2 circumflex 15 and 2 circumflex 23 subsets thereof were respectively identified.

Can needle-EMG correctly diagnose combinations of two damaged nerves?

It is accepted that when there is severe, focal nerve damage and an appropriate needle-EMG (nEMG) study is carried out, the electromyographer can infer the correct diagnosis. But is it a fact? This study will check the inference. In this theoretical study, all the possible combinations of two damaged nerve-segments were computed and converted into the expected nEMG findings.

A three-dimensional x-ray scattering system for multi-parameter imaging of the human head.

This work examines the suitability of a non-rotating one-side 3D x-ray scatter system for imaging the human head. The system simultaneously produces images of the x-ray attenuation coefficients at two photon energies, as well as an image of the electron density. The system relies on measuring the scattered radiation at two directions orthogonal to an incident beam that scans the object from one side, in addition to the traditionally recorded transmitted radiation.

Automated localization of nerve damage: hypothesis, technique and performance appraisal.

Needle-EMG is a common procedure performed and relied on by neurologists, physiatrists and neurosurgeons to localize focal nerve damage. However, despite its popularity, there is no standardization of this diagnostic process rendering it error prone. An automated diagnostic program may help the electromyographer by providing an objective second opinion and a statistical measure of its strength.