Reinnervation Potential
Large-amplitude, long-duration, polyphasic motor unit potentials indicating sprouting and reinnervation of denervated muscle fibers.
Full Definition
Reinnervation potentials are abnormal motor unit potentials characterized by increased amplitude, prolonged duration, and polyphasic morphology, reflecting the process of collateral sprouting and reinnervation following nerve injury. When motor neurons are damaged, surviving motor neurons send out collateral sprouts to reinnervate orphaned muscle fibers, resulting in motor units that contain more muscle fibers than normal. These enlarged motor units produce the characteristic high-amplitude, long-duration potentials seen on electromyography. Reinnervation potentials indicate active repair processes and are commonly observed in chronic neurogenic disorders, radiculopathies, and during recovery from acute nerve injuries.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "Large reinnervation potentials were recorded in the thenar muscles." — EMG report in chronic radiculopathy
- "The presence of reinnervation potentials suggested chronic denervation." — Electrodiagnostic interpretation