Electromyographic examination in the office.

During a recent 12-month period, a total of 560 patients were referred for electromyographic examinations. They were sent by orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, internists, general practitioners, neuropsychiatrists and practitioners of physical medicine. Orthopedic surgeons referred more than any other specialists. Results of examination of patients referred because of suspicion of root compression were much more often negative than positive. Results were positive for the disease in all cases in which referral was because of suspicion of lower motor neuron disease, primary muscle disorders and upper motor neuron disease. Short electromyographic reports that concentrate on interpreting the electromyographic data were found to be preferred by the referring physicians.