The contemporary role of F-wave studies: Reply by Dr. Fisher

✍ Scribed by Morris A. Fisher

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1998
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 68 KB
• Volume: 21
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0148-639X
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4598(199808)21:8<1104::aid-mus23>3.0.co;2-s

✦ Synopsis

lect patients with clinical problems in which F waves may be useful.

To summarize, if F-wave studies are to be used to screen for radiculopathy, their sensitivity must be improved. First, F waves should be performed only when it is likely that the lesion involves the innervation of the muscle studied. Testing an ulnar F wave in the hypothenar eminence is of no value in a patient with a suspected C5 or C6 radiculopathy. Second, a population of F-wave data rather than just the shortest latency should be evaluated to increase sensitivity. The relative value of each of the methods described above must be determined so that the best technique is used. Finally, the F-wave values, must be normalized for patient height, age, and distal NCV if the results are to be of any practical value. Given these limitations, F waves should not be used for routine screening in patients with nonspecific symptoms of radiculopathy, but are of limited value when carefully performed in selected patients.