The comparison of multiple F-wave variable studies and magnetic resonance imaging examinations in the assessment of cervical radiculopathy. (2024)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: 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.

Original languageAmerican English
Journal
Volume92
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

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Lin, CH., Tsai, Y.-H., Chang, CH., Chen, CM., Hsu, HC., Wu, CY., & Hong, CZ. (2013). The comparison of multiple F-wave variable studies and magnetic resonance imaging examinations in the assessment of cervical radiculopathy. , 92(9). https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0b013e31827d6546

Lin, CH ; Tsai, Ying-Huang ; Chang, CH et al. / The comparison of multiple F-wave variable studies and magnetic resonance imaging examinations in the assessment of cervical radiculopathy. In: . 2013 ; Vol. 92, No. 9.

@article{9e3021426ee24a219c06a6e92a4c4824,

title = "The comparison of multiple F-wave variable studies and magnetic resonance imaging examinations in the assessment of cervical radiculopathy.",

abstract = "OBJECTIVE: 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.",

author = "CH Lin and Ying-Huang Tsai and CH Chang and CM Chen and HC Hsu and CY Wu and CZ Hong",

year = "2013",

doi = "10.1097/PHM.0b013e31827d6546",

language = "American English",

volume = "92",

journal = "American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation / Association of Academic Physiatrists",

issn = "0894-9115",

number = "9",

}

Lin, CH, Tsai, Y-H, Chang, CH, Chen, CM, Hsu, HC, Wu, CY & Hong, CZ 2013, 'The comparison of multiple F-wave variable studies and magnetic resonance imaging examinations in the assessment of cervical radiculopathy.', , vol. 92, no. 9. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0b013e31827d6546

The comparison of multiple F-wave variable studies and magnetic resonance imaging examinations in the assessment of cervical radiculopathy. / Lin, CH; Tsai, Ying-Huang; Chang, CH et al.
In: , Vol. 92, No. 9, 2013.

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

TY - JOUR

T1 - The comparison of multiple F-wave variable studies and magnetic resonance imaging examinations in the assessment of cervical radiculopathy.

AU - Lin, CH

AU - Tsai, Ying-Huang

AU - Chang, CH

AU - Chen, CM

AU - Hsu, HC

AU - Wu, CY

AU - Hong, CZ

PY - 2013

Y1 - 2013

N2 - OBJECTIVE: 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.

AB - OBJECTIVE: 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.

U2 - 10.1097/PHM.0b013e31827d6546

DO - 10.1097/PHM.0b013e31827d6546

M3 - Journal Article

C2 - 23291601

SN - 0894-9115

VL - 92

JO - American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation / Association of Academic Physiatrists

JF - American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation / Association of Academic Physiatrists

IS - 9

ER -

Lin CH, Tsai YH, Chang CH, Chen CM, Hsu HC, Wu CY et al. The comparison of multiple F-wave variable studies and magnetic resonance imaging examinations in the assessment of cervical radiculopathy. . 2013;92(9). doi: 10.1097/PHM.0b013e31827d6546

The comparison of multiple F-wave variable studies and magnetic resonance imaging examinations in the assessment of cervical radiculopathy. (2024)

FAQs

The comparison of multiple F-wave variable studies and magnetic resonance imaging examinations in the assessment of cervical radiculopathy.? ›

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.

What can an F wave study be used to examine? ›

F wave is one of the nerve conduction studies, mainly used to study the proximal pathway of peripheral nerves. One of its applications is dynamic assessment, i.e., before and after physical activity, when symptoms develop in some patients.

Does cervical radiculopathy show up on EMG? ›

To definitively diagnose cervical radiculopathy, one paraspinal muscle and two muscles from a different peripheral nerve innervated by the same root must have positive EMG findings. [4][11] This criterion must be met entirely for a diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy.

What is the difference between a nerve study and an MRI? ›

Magnetic resonance imaging is a sensitive tool in detecting structural lesion, while nerve conduction studies evaluate physiological changes in the nerve function.

How sensitive is a cervical radiculopathy MRI? ›

The sensitivity of MRIC in diagnosing a clinically positive CR is 76% and specificity is 93% where as the sensitivity of EDX is 34% and specificity is 74%. CONCLUSIONS: MRI of the cervical spine is more sensitive and specific than EDX in confirming a clinically evident cervical radiculopathy. Disclosure: Dr.

Why is the F wave important? ›

The F wave elicited by distal stimulation at the wrist or ankle serves as a measure of motor conduction time of the entire nerve length, which may show an increased latency from a lesion anywhere along the course of the nerve.

What does F wave represent? ›

F wave is a late response that follows the motor response (M) and is elicited by supramaximal electrical stimulation of a mixed or a motor nerve4. F waves provide a means of examining transmission between stimulation sites in the arm and the leg and the related motor neurons in the cervical and lumbosacral cord.

What are the red flags for radiculopathy? ›

Red flags include: Older age. Major trauma at any age (such as a road traffic collision or fall from a height), mild trauma in people aged over 70 years, prolonged corticosteroid use, history of osteoporosis. Structural deformity of the spine (such as a step from one vertebra to an adjacent vertebra) may be present.

What is the best test for cervical radiculopathy? ›

The Spurling test should be performed in the assessment of a patient with symptoms of cervical radiculopathy to help determine the patient's pathology and whether further imaging studies are indicated or alternative tests or diagnoses should be considered.

What happens if cervical radiculopathy is left untreated? ›

Left untreated, you may have permanent damage to your shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. In fact, you may become paralyzed if you don't do anything about it. At this point, you may need to think about having surgery. Though surgery can be scary, it will receive pressure from the bone spur or herniated disk.

What is the best scan for nerve pain? ›

In summary, magnetic resonance imaging is an effective tool for diagnosing peripheral nerve injury. It provides detailed images of nerves and surrounding tissues without requiring any invasive procedures.

What diseases does a nerve conduction test show? ›

The test may sometimes be used to evaluate diseases of nerve or muscle, including:
  • Myopathy.
  • Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
  • Myasthenia gravis.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  • Diabetic neuropathy.
  • Bell palsy.
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Are nerve studies expensive? ›

The cost for a Nerve Conductivity Study can range from $1,000 to $2,500. If you have Health Insurance with a low deductible it should cover most of the cost.

What irritates cervical radiculopathy? ›

The most common causes of cervical radiculopathy are when a nerve root becomes inflamed or damaged due to a nearby bone spur or cervical herniated disc, such as from spinal degeneration over time or an injury.

What can be mistaken for cervical radiculopathy? ›

Musculoskeletal cervical radiculopathy mimics include: (1) head/neck pain, such as neck tension, cervicogenic headache, and temporomandibular disorder; (2) referred pain from shoulder pathology, such as rotator cuff tears/impingement; (3) elbow region abnormalities, including medial/lateral epicondylitis; (4) wrist/ ...

What makes radiculopathy worse? ›

Lumbar radiculopathy

Symptoms include pain and numbness in the low back, hips, buttock, leg, or foot, ad they are usually made worse with long periods of sitting or walking.

What does F wave mean on ECG? ›

(1) Background: A typical cardiac cycle consists of a P-wave, a QRS complex, and a T-wave, and these waves are perfectly shown in electrocardiogram signals (ECG). When atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs, P-waves disappear, and F-waves emerge. F-waves contain information on the cause of atrial fibrillation.

What is the clinical utility of F wave is to know? ›

F-wave studies are often used to measure nerve conduction velocity and are particularly useful for evaluating conduction problems in the proximal regions of nerves. The F-wave is a compound action potential evoked by supramaximal antidromic stimulation of a motor nerve16).

What is f in waves? ›

Wavelength = = the length of one. wave (m) Frequency = f = # of cycles.

What does it mean when the F wave is absent? ›

The F wave disappears due to impaired excitability of motor neurons or proximal axons in inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies. Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan.

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