T-reflex waves were carefully researched in the lower limbs but not in the upper limbs.
We recorded T-reflex waves of biceps and triceps brachii muscles from 14 normal subjects and 18 patients whose symptoms were mainly radiculopathy of the cervical nerve, and individually compared (through measurements) the lateral differentials of latency and amplitude.
Based upon the examination of the normal subjects, we defined pathological T-waves as those with lateral differential of latency ≥1.5ms and lateral differential of amplitude ≥50%.
Among the patients, pathological latency was found in 11 individuals (61% of total) and pathological amplitude in 12 individuals (67% of total). Pathological T-wave response was found in 14 patients (88% of total).
From our study the correlation of the T-reflex wave of the biceps to C5 and C6 function and the correlation of the T-reflex wave of the triceps to C7 function were reconfirmed.
Through cervical radiculopathy, it was shown that there is a high rate of occurrence of the pathological tendon reflex. T-reflex waves can measure the tendon reflexes objectively and are useful in the diagnosis of cervical root lesions.
