Periodic Limb Movements During Sleep Noted on Ventral Thigh Surface Electromyography in an Above-the-Knee Amputated Stump

Ventral thigh surface electromyography may be used to assess for periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) in a limb with an above-the-knee amputation. Presence of PLMS in the proximal portion of an amputated lower extremity supports theories of spinal and supraspinal mechanisms in PLMS generation, and demonstrates that intact distal motor efferent pathways and distal sensory afferent pathways are not absolutely necessary for the generation of periodic limb movements.