Pronator Teres Reflex and the Diagnosis of C۶ and C۷ Radiculopathy

Objectives: Neck roots lesions are among the etiologies of cervical and arm pain. A detailed patient evaluation could assist the diagnosis, reduce imaging requests, and promote the treatment of cervical pain. We tried to estimate the value of pronator teres reflex in C۶ and C۷ roots irritation. Methods: The present study comprises ۱۱۸ participants, including ۵۶ patients with C۶ and C۷ lesions and ۶۲ normal controls. The reliability and usefulness of this reflex in C۶ and C۷ roots lesions were compared to positive electromyography and imaging with magnetic resonance. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for pronator teres reflex were ۳۶.۴%, ۱۳.۶%, ۶۴.۸%, and ۴.۶%, respectively. Discussion: This reflex can be considered an additional reflex during the physical examination for C۶ and C۷ nerve roots injury, but its diagnostic value for C۶ and C۷ radiculopathy is unreliable to be used for screening purposes.

Keywords:

Radiculopathy , Pronator teres reflex , Diagnostic value , Sensitivity , Specificity