Muscle function diagnostics / EMG

Electromyography (EMG) belongs to the group of neurophysiological diagnostic procedures. It is implemented to measure the natural electrical activity of a muscle and is used in orthopedic disorders caused by disorders of the spinal cord or peripheral nerves. EMG can be used to determine whether muscle weakness is a disease of the muscle or the responsible nerve. If muscle paralysis is present as a result of an injury, EMG can provide an indication of the chances of recovery.

Relaxed muscles normally show no electrical activity. Even the smallest muscle contractions produce electrical potentials that increase with stronger muscle movements. In patients suffering from certain muscle or nerve diseases, conspicuous patterns can be detected in the electromyogram.