The risk of hematoma following extensive electromyography of the lumbar paraspinal muscles

The Application of Surface Electromyography Technology in Evaluating Paraspinal Muscle Function

Surface electromyography (sEMG) has emerged as a valuable tool for assessing muscle activity in various clinical and research settings. This review focuses on the application of sEMG specifically in the context of paraspinal muscles. The paraspinal muscles play a critical role in providing stability and facilitating movement of the spine. Dysfunctions or alterations in paraspinal muscle activity can lead to various musculoskeletal disorders and spinal pathologies. Therefore, understanding and quantifying paraspinal muscle activity is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring therapeutic interventions. This review discusses the clinical applications of sEMG in paraspinal muscles, including the assessment of low back pain, spinal disorders, and rehabilitation interventions. It explores how sEMG can aid in diagnosing the potential causes of low back pain and monitoring the effectiveness of physical therapy, spinal manipulative therapy, and exercise protocols. It also discusses emerging technologies and advancements in sEMG techniques that aim to enhance the accuracy and reliability of paraspinal muscle assessment. In summary, the application of sEMG in paraspinal muscles provides valuable insights into muscle function, dysfunction, and therapeutic interventions. By examining the literature on sEMG in paraspinal muscles, this review offers a comprehensive understanding of the current state of research, identifies knowledge gaps, and suggests future directions for optimizing the use of sEMG in assessing paraspinal muscle activity.

Dry Needling and Antithrombotic Drugs

Many clinicians increasingly use dry needling in clinical practice. However, whether patients' intake of antithrombotic drugs should be considered as a contraindication for dry needling has not been investigated to date. As far as we know, there are no publications in analyzing the intake of antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents in the context of dry needling techniques. A thorough analysis of existing medications and how they may impact various needling approaches may contribute to improved evidence-informed clinical practice. The primary purpose of this paper is to review the current knowledge of antithrombotic therapy in the context of dry needling. In addition, reviewing guidelines of other needling approaches, such as electromyography, acupuncture, botulinum toxin infiltration, and neck ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy, may provide specific insights relevant for dry needling. Based on published data, taking antithrombotic medication should not be considered an absolute contraindication for dry needling techniques. As long as specific dry needling and individual risks are properly considered, it does not change the risk and safety profile of dry needling. Under specific circumstances, the use of ultrasound guidance is recommended when available.

Hematoma Risk After Needle Electromyography in Patients Using Newer Oral Anticoagulants

PURPOSE

To assess the safety of needle electromyography in patients on non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) compared with warfarin.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was done in patients who underwent needle electromyography studies while they were using warfarin and NOACs. After the needle electromyography, all the patients were monitored for 2 hours and ultrasound of high-risk muscle groups was done. The complications were classified based on the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis definitions.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were included: 29 were using NOACs and the other 29 were on warfarin. The mean age was 59.33 ± 16 years. Hemorrhagic complications from needle electromyography were noted in 9 patients: 7 (77.7%) NOACs and 2 (22.3%) warfarin. Among them, 6 patients (66.6%) met the diagnostic criteria for Clinically Relevant Non-Major Bleeding criteria proposed by International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis and 3 patients (33.4%) had an asymptomatic hematoma on ultrasound evaluation. A total of 267 muscles were tested and only 9 (3.3%) muscles had hemorrhagic complications. One patient (rivaroxaban) had acute bleeding requiring pressure bandage, five patients (two apixaban, two rivaroxaban, and one warfarin) had clinical hematoma that required ice packs, and three patients (two rivaroxaban and one warfarin) had a hematoma on ultrasound of deep muscles.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients on NOACs had minimal risk of clinically relevant hemorrhagic complications, and the risk is not significantly different from those on warfarin.

Evaluation of persons with suspected lumbosacral and cervical radiculopathy: Electrodiagnostic assessment and implications for treatment and outcomes (Part II)

The electrodiagnostic (EDX) examination with needle electromyography (EMG) is the most important means of testing for radiculopathy. This test has modest sensitivity but high specificity and complements imaging of the spine. In this second of a two-part review, the implications of electrodiagnostic findings for diagnosis and clinical management of persons with radiculopathy are reviewed. An EMG confirmed lumbosacral radiculopathy is associated with better clinical outcomes for persons undergoing aggressive conservative management. A positive EMG test portends a better clinical response to epidural corticosteroid injections. If a person undergoes spine surgery, a positive pre-operative EMG for radiculopathy is also associated with better outcomes.

Ultrasound analysis of cervical paraspinal muscles for needle EMG examination

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound was used to determine optimal needle insertion parameters and assess the vasculature of paraspinal muscles at C5-T1 spinal levels across patients with different body mass indices (BMIs).

METHODS

Thirty patients underwent ultrasound examination of the cervical paraspinal muscles at the C5-T1 levels. Images were analyzed to determine the optimal distance and angle of needle insertion to reach the base of the right lamina. Color and spectral Doppler analysis were used to identify and map paraspinal blood vessels.

RESULTS

Mean distances and angles varied from 35.1 mm and 17.27 degrees for the low BMI group at C5 to 65.1 mm and 9.85 degrees for the high BMI group at T1. Paraspinal blood vessel mapping revealed a random distribution of vasculature.

CONCLUSIONS

Longer distances and steeper angles of needle insertion are required for patients with higher BMIs. Cervical paraspinal arteries vary in distribution and can be visualized with ultrasound.

Complications Associated With Electromyography: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the study were to systematically review the available literature concerning complications due to electromyography and to review those associated with nerve conduction studies.

DESIGN

A systematic review was undertaken of Medline and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Any complication related to clinical electromyography written in English was included, and all bibliographies were scanned for missed articles.

RESULTS

A total of 27 articles fit the inclusion criteria, with two observational studies, and the rest case series or case studies; 42 patients were reported. Of these, 28 patients required hospitalization and 22 required surgery or a procedure, with zero deaths reported. Needle-related complications were the most prevalent (18 patients reported), with 17 related to pneumothoraces. Disorders of hemostasis were identified in 13 patients (many were asymptomatic) and cutaneous disorders were identified in 11 patients. Only one complication was identified in the narrative review related to nerve conduction studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review identified a variety of complications related to electromyography. Although the incidence of these occurrences cannot be elucidated from the case series and case study-predominant literature, adverse events seem to be rare but can cause significant morbidity. Electromyographers should be aware of all reported complications; this review outlines all reported occurrences that fit the inclusion criteria.

Knowledge of electromyography (EMG) in patients undergoing EMG examinations

The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge of electromyography (EMG) in patients undergoing the procedure. In one year, 1,586 consecutive patients (mean age 56 years; 58.8% women) were admitted to two EMG labs to undergo EMG for the first time. The patients found to be "informed" about the how an EMG examination is performed and about the purpose of EMG numbered 448 (28.2%), while those found to be "informed" only about the manner of its execution or only about its purpose numbered 161 (10.2%) and 151 (9.5%), respectively. The remaining 826 (52.1%) patients had either no information, or the information they had was very poor or incorrect (this was particularly true if they had been consulting websites). Being "informed" was associated with level of education (high), type of referring physician (specialist) and with an appropriate referral diagnosis specified in the EMG request. The quality of patient information on EMG was found to be very poor and could be improved. Physicians referring patients for EMG examinations, especially general practitioners, should assume primary responsibility for patient education and counseling in this field.