Faculty Collaboration Database

Effect of history and exam in predicting electrodiagnostic outcome among patients with suspected lumbosacral radiculopathy. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2000;79(1):60-8; quiz 75-6

Date

03/04/2000

Pubmed ID

10678605

DOI

10.1097/00002060-200001000-00013

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0033977792 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   46 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which the history and physical examination predict the outcome of the electrodiagnostic (EDX) evaluation in patients with suspected lumbosacral radiculopathy.

DESIGN: Data for 170 subjects referred for low-back and lower limb symptoms were prospectively collected at five EDX laboratories. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and odds ratios were determined for symptoms and neurologic signs.

RESULTS: Symptoms were not significantly associated with an EDX study or a lumbosacral radiculopathy. The physical examination was better at predicting that an EDX study would be abnormal in general than it was at predicting a lumbosacral radiculopathy in particular. Of those subjects with normal physical examinations, 15%-18% still had abnormal EDX findings.

CONCLUSIONS: In a population of patients referred for an EDX study, the history and physical examination alone cannot reliably predict electrodiagnostic outcome.

Author List

Lauder TD, Dillingham TR, Andary M, Kumar S, Pezzin LE, Stephens RT, Shannon S

Author

Liliana Pezzin PhD, JD Director, Professor in the Institute for Health and Humanity department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Electrodiagnosis
Electromyography
Humans
Lumbosacral Plexus
Medical History Taking
Middle Aged
Neural Conduction
Physical Examination
Predictive Value of Tests
Prospective Studies
Radiculopathy
Sensitivity and Specificity