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Musculoskeletal disorders in referrals for suspected cervical radiculopathy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2007 Oct;88(10):1256-9

Date

10/03/2007

Pubmed ID

17908566

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2007.07.010

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-34748861422 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   47 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine (1) the prevalence of selected common musculoskeletal disorders in patients referred for electrodiagnosis when cervical radiculopathy is suspected and (2) whether these findings predict electrodiagnostic study outcome.

DESIGN: Prospective study.

SETTING: Electrodiagnostic laboratories in departments of physical medicine and rehabilitation at 5 participating institutions.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 191 subjects undergoing electrodiagnostic evaluations for upper-limb symptoms when cervical radiculopathy was suspected.

INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of certain musculoskeletal disorders (myofascial pain, shoulder impingement, lateral epicondylitis, de Quervain's tenosynovitis) and outcomes of electrodiagnostic testing (normal study, cervical radiculopathy, or another electrodiagnostically confirmed diagnosis).

RESULTS: The total prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was 42%. The prevalence in those with a normal study was 69%, compared with 29% in those with cervical radiculopathy (P<.001) and 45% in those with another diagnosis (P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal disorders are common in patients with suspected cervical radiculopathy. Although the presence of certain musculoskeletal disorders makes having a normal electrodiagnostic evaluation significantly more likely, the high prevalence among both patients with normal studies and those with radiculopathy and other disorders limits the usefulness of this information in precisely predicting study outcome. The presence of musculoskeletal disorders should not preclude electrodiagnostic testing when otherwise indicated.

Author List

Cannon DE, Dillingham TR, Miao H, Andary MT, Pezzin LE

Author

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




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

Diagnosis, Differential
Electromyography
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Prevalence
Prospective Studies
Radiculopathy
Referral and Consultation