Dynamic electromyography in functional surgery for upper limb spasticity.

Surgery to improve upper limb function after stroke, closed head injury, or other causes of acquired spasticity is generally accomplished by a combination of muscle transfer, lengthening, and/or release. Dynamic electromyography can be used to identify voluntary muscle action, delineate the deforming motor forces when spasticity is present, and provide guidance for surgical planning to improve prehensile hand function.