How to Use EMG in Non-EMG Practices-Dr. Colorado - How to Use EMG in Non-EMG Practices

Dr. Colorado - How to Use EMG in Non-EMG Practices

Pdf Summary

In this document, Dale Colorado, an Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine, discusses the role of electromyography (EMG) and neuromuscular ultrasound in sports medicine practice. Colorado provides an overview of common peripheral nerve injuries in athletes and identifies sport-specific mechanisms of nerve injury, such as compression, traction, ischemia, and laceration. The author explains that upper extremities are more commonly affected than lower extremities, and that football accounts for one-third of all injuries sustained.<br /><br />Colorado goes on to detail specific peripheral nerve injuries, including burner syndrome, spinal accessory neuropathy, long thoracic neuropathy, suprascapular neuropathy, axillary neuropathy, musculocutaneous neuropathy, median neuropathy, ulnar neuropathy, sciatic/tibial/femoral neuropathy, pudendal neuropathy, peroneal/fibular neuropathy, and lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy. The author describes the mechanisms of injury, common symptoms, and prevalence within various sports for each condition.<br /><br />The document also addresses neurological complications that may occur following sports-related surgeries, such as arthroscopy of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. Colorado explains that iatrogenic peripheral nerve injuries in these surgeries are rare but can result from traction, portal placement, laceration, or suture entrapment. The author provides specific considerations for each surgical procedure.<br /><br />Finally, Colorado discusses the role of EMG and neuromuscular ultrasound in the evaluation and management of nerve injuries in athletes. EMG and ultrasound can help determine the presence and severity of nerve injuries, differentiate musculoskeletal from neurological disorders or injuries, and assist in making return-to-play decisions. The author highlights the added utility of ultrasound in identifying musculoskeletal or neurological issues that may not be detected by EMG alone.<br /><br />The document concludes with practice considerations, emphasizing the complementary nature of EMG and ultrasound in building a sports medicine practice.

Keywords

Dale Colorado

EMG

neuromuscular ultrasound

sports medicine

peripheral nerve injuries

compression

traction

laceration

iatrogenic peripheral nerve injuries

return-to-play decisions

electromyography