Comparison of MR and EMG findings

Electrophysiologic FindingsMR FindingsNAge (y)Duration of SymptomsCauseAtrophy (N)Additional Confirmation of Diagnosis
Concordant Findings
Peroneal nerve palsyPeroneal nerve lesion1818–72 (median, 42)3 days–12 months (median, 3 months)Spontaneous, n = 11; trauma, n = 7; iatrogenic, n = 26Surgery, n = 3
L5 radiculopathyL5 lesion834–81 (median, 58)2 weeks–2 months (median, 4 weeks)Disk herniation, n = 8; spinal stenosis, n = 10Surgery, n = 7; lumbar CT or MR, n = 8
Sciatic nerve lesionUnspecific817–69 (median, 35)2 weeks–12 months (median, 6 months)Trauma, n = 4; iatrogenic, n = 3; mononeuritis, n = 16None
L5 and S1 radiculopathyUnspecific1442 monthsDisk herniationNoSpinal CT, surgery
Lumbosacral plexus lesionUnspecific1571 monthIatrogenic (surgery for rectal carcinoma)NoEMG
Cauda equina lesionUnspecific1343 monthsSpinal adhesionsYesSurgery
Discordant Findings
L5 radiculopathyUnspecific1352 monthsDisk herniationNoLumbar CT, surgery
Peroneal nerve palsyL5 lesion1405 weeksDisk herniationNoLumbar CT, surgery
Partial peroneal nerve palsyComplete distal peroneal nerve lesion1425 monthsTraumatic peroneal nerve lesionNoFollow-up EMG