The role of neurodiagnostic studies in nerve injuries and other orthopedic disorders

Abstract

Neurodiagnostic techniques, such as nerve conduction studies, needle electromyography studies, intraoperative nerve monitoring, and evoked potentials provide useful information for practicing orthopedic surgeons to help localize central from peripheral nervous system lesions. For peripheral nerve lesions, it helps localize the level of the nerve dysfunction (for example, root versus plexus versus peripheral nerve). These techniques are well established and routinely used. Newer techniques have emerged that aim to simplify the technical process of performing these studies and help reduce the discomfort associated with these studies. Many of these newer techniques, however, are in their infancy, and their role in routine use for neurodiagnostic purposes is not clear. This review examines the various types of nerve injuries commonly encountered in orthopedic surgery practice and the role of electrodiagnostic (neurodiagnostic) techniques in diagnosing these conditions.