Our findings suggest that hematoma formation from standard needle EMG is rare even in high-risk muscles, which have been avoided historically in anticoagulated patients.
The purpose of this study was to establish the incidence of MRI-detectable hematomas following paraspinal EMG. We provide a retrospective review of patients who underwent paraspinal EMG and subsequent concordant level spine MRI. A total of 370 charts (431 MRIs) met the inclusion criteria. No paraspinal hematomas were observed. These results should further the development of evidence-based guidelines for patients who have greater-than-normal bleeding risk and support the notion that paraspinal EMG is a relatively safe procedure.
Needle electromyography (EMG) is a common and safe diagnostic procedure. Although there are no absolute contraindications to performing an EMG, medically induced coagulopathy represents a relative contraindication. The purpose of this article is to discuss EMG safety for patients taking anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, and to review the current literature regarding bleeding risks. Safety measures used to avoid serious bleeding complications are also discussed.
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