Flexor carpi radialis H-Reflex in monitoring cervical root decompression by traction in cervical radiculopathy

ABSTRACT

Fourteen patients complained of various degrees and combinations of frequent neck, shoulder and arm pain, burning sensation associated with numbness, tingling in the middle finger, weakness in the triceps and/or wrist extensor were included in this study. The diagnosis was confirmed with clinical and imaging procedures. The H-reflex of the flexor carpi radialis [FCR] was recorded using electromyographic unit. Traction resulted in a significant increase in the peak to peak amplitude and a reduction in the latency of the H-reflex. The peak to peak amplitude of the H-reflex was 0.45 +/- 0.35 mv before traction and increased to 0.89 +/- 0.55 mv during traction which was statistically significant. The H-reflex latency was 18.04 +/- 2.36 ms before traction and was reduced to 17.04 +/- 2.02 ms during traction and this reduction was statistically significant