Electromyography is widely used for diagnosing and localizing the level of radiculo-pathy. Almost all muscles are constitute of more than one myotome and may have variable and anomalous innervations. To localize the level of radiculopathy, the several muscles should be examined with knowledge of anatomy and some experiences for electromyography.

In a retrospective study of 139 cases of radiculopathy, we could select the most suitable muscles for localizing the levels of radiculopathy through the analysis of the EMG findings in individual muscles. In C5 radiculopathy, deltoid and paravertebral muscles were the most sensitive. In C6 radiculopathy, paravertebral muscles and extensor carpi radialis muscle were the most sensitive. Flexor carpi radialis and triceps brachii muscles were the most sensitive in C7 radiculopathy, and flexor carpi ulnaris and abductor digiti quinti muscles were the most sensitive in C8 radiculopathy. Peroneus longus and tensor fascia lata muscles were the most sensitive in L5 radiculopathy, and gastrocnemius medialis and peroneus longus muscles were the most sensitive in S1 radiculopathy.

From the above result, it can be suggested that the most sensitive muscles as indicated should be predominently selected in employing electromyography to localized the level of radiculopathy.