From revival to routine: electromyography-based neuromuscular monitoring in contemporary anesthesia practice

Electromyography (EMG)-based neuromuscular monitoring has emerged as a pivotal advancement in anesthesia, offering enhanced precision and reliability in assessing neuromuscular blockade. This review describes the physiological foundations of EMG, the methodologies for quantifying compound muscle action potential, and the comparative utility of EMG over traditional acceleromyography. Clinical applications across various muscle sites-specifically the adductor pollicis, first dorsal interosseous, and abductor digiti minimi-are explored, emphasizing inter-muscle variability and its implications for dosing of reversal agents. EMG-based monitoring is associated with reduced calibration time, improved stability against signal drift, and superior prevention of residual neuromuscular blockade. However, EMG monitoring presents unique challenges, including signal artifacts and device-specific variations in response thresholds. Recent comparative studies have demonstrated the importance of understanding device-specific characteristics to optimize clinical interpretations. Collectively, this evidence supports the use of EMG as a standard modality for perioperative neuromuscular management. Its accurate and reproducible signals, combined with broad clinical compatibility, present a compelling case for widespread adoption in routine anesthetic practice.