Electrodiagnostic evaluation of compressive nerve injuries of the upper extremities.

Electrodiagnostic testing includes electromyography and nerve conduction studies that are physiologic tests used in the diagnosis of peripheral nerve injuries. It is a supplement rather than a replacement for a physical examination. This article reviews the terminology as well as the findings seen and used in electrodiagnostic studies. Common compression nerve injuries including the median, ulnar, radial, axillary, and suprascapular nerves and their electrical findings are reviewed.

Retroperitoneal false aneurysm presenting as anterior thigh pain and weakness: a case report.

This case highlights the importance of considering retroperitoneal pathology in the differential diagnosis of anterior thigh pain and weakness. We describe a woman in her mid seventies with a history of a left total hip arthroplasty and lumbar decompression who presented with left anterior thigh pain and left lower-extremity weakness. A computed tomography scan of the retroperitoneum revealed a mass along the left iliopsoas muscle. An arteriogram revealed a large false aneurysm that communicated with the left common femoral artery. Surgery to resect the aneurysm revealed exposed parts of the hip replacement that may have contributed to the formation of the aneurysm. We concluded that imaging of the retroperitoneum should be considered in any patient presenting with anterior thigh pain and weakness.

Femoral, saphenous nerve palsy after tourniquet use: a case report.

Persistent motor and sensory abnormalities after surgery may affect the rehabilitation process. Patients with continued weakness may be perceived as lacking motivation by health care providers. However, there may be an underlying pathophysiologic abnormality preventing patients from progressing through their rehabilitation programs. We report a case of a 20-year-old man who underwent surgical repair of multiple knee structures with the use of a pneumatic tourniquet. Several weeks after surgery, electromyographic evaluation was done because he was having difficulty in his rehabilitation because of persistent weakness. An electromyography and nerve conduction study (NCS) revealed femoral and saphenous nerve palsies. Our report is the first on tourniquet-induced saphenous nerve injury as well as on abnormal femoral NCSs caused by tourniquet use. A review of the literature indicates that tourniquet-induced nerve palsies are not a rare event. Further evaluation should be considered if patients who are having persistent weakness or sensory findings after surgery have used a tourniquet.