Abstract
Both peroneal and tibial F-waves are routinely tested in many electromyogram laboratories when lumbosacral radiculopathy (LR) are suspected, although their utility in LR has not been well established. This study is aimed to analyse the values of F-waves in evaluating a specific motor root lesion of L5 or S1 and to investigate whether F-waves can be used as a supplement to quantitatively evaluate the severity of motor root lesions and effectiveness of treatment in lumbosacral radiculopathies (LR). Both peroneal and tibial F-waves were performed bilaterally in 142 patients with unilateral L5 or S1 radiculopathies and 37 controls, along with Medical Research Council (MRC) evaluation. These tests were re-evaluated approximately 1 year after initial examination in 65 patients with LR who underwent surgical or conservative treatment. Abnormal peroneal F-waves were found in 34 patients with L5 radiculopathy (34/67, 50.7%) along with normal tibial F-waves. By contrast, 27 patients with S1 radiculopathy only presented abnormal tibial F-waves (27/76, 36.0%). There were significant differences in involved-side F-duration among different MRC scales in both radiculopathy groups (P < 0.05). Follow-up analysis demonstrated slow progression of both F-wave abnormalities and muscle weakness in patients undergoing conservative treatment (P < 0.05). Comparisons of F-waves between the same nerve on both sides and between the peroneal and tibial nerves in the same leg may clearly increase the validity of F-waves for evaluating a specific motor root lesion of L5 or S1. Furthermore, a quantitative comparison of F-waves may provide additional information on the severity of individual root lesions and their progression even in the early stages of the disease.
Published Version
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