Overview of Electrodiagnostic Studies

Abstract

Objectives: This review aims to present useful and relevant information on electroneurological diagnoses in the field of the spine, with a particular focus on helping spinal surgeons understand electromyography (EMG) in a simpler and more intuitive way. Summary of Literature Review: Since Galvani reported that electrical stimulation of muscle tissue generates contractions and forces in 1771, it has been possible to diagnose nerve and muscle diseases through electrical stimulation of the human body. Materials and Methods: Review of the relevant articles. Results: Electrodiagnostic studies in the spine field can be divided into nerve conduction studies, needle EMG, and evoked potential. Conclusions: Electrodiagnostic studies can be useful for the definitive differential diagnosis of spine diseases, and for neurosurveillance during surgery. EMG refers to nerve conduction tests and needle EMG tests, and it is mainly used to differentiate between diseases of the peripheral nervous system and spine. Evoked potential testing is used for nerve monitoring during surgery or when problems occur in the central nervous system (i.e., the cord level). © 2022 Korean Society of Spine Surgery.