Electrodiagnostic Confirmation of Lumbar Radiculopathy and its Association with Lumbarcentral Canal Stenosis and Neuroforaminal Stenosis

Abstract

Introduction:Lumbar central canal spinal stenosis (LSS) and lumbar neuroforaminal stenosis (LNS) are common diagnoses that plague patients with low back pain. Symptoms can also include neurogenic claudication. Costly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electrodiagnostic testing (EDX) are used as adjuncts to validate diagnosis. However, there are only limited studies discussing the association of these diagnostic tools with radiculopathy. We investigate the association between EDX confirmed radiculopathy and the degree of LSS and LNS found on MRI.Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to an outpatient pain medicine clinic who had a documented EDX and lumbar MRI. The severity of radiographic LSS/LNS was compared to EDX data using a Pearson Chi Square test. The data was fit to a multivariable logistic regression model. Results:There was not any statistical significance when comparing EDX evidence of radiculopathy and LSS (p = 0.50), LSS severity (p = 0.54), LNS (p = 0.69) or LNS severity (p = 0.11). Conclusions:No significant associations were found between LSS/LNS severity and EDX findings. The presence and degree of severity of LSS/LNS on MRI was not a reliable predictor of EDX findings.