Compound Nerve Action Potential of the Distal Superficial Peroneal Nerve: Definition of a New Method and Normative Data

Abstract

Introduction:Nerve conduction studies on the distal branches of the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) are underrepresented in the literature. We aimed to describe a rapid and practical nerve conduction study of the distal branches of the SPN using strip electrodes.Materials and Methods:Individuals of both sexes aged 18-65 years were included. The active bipolar disk electrode used in recording was placed 6 cm proximal to the lateral malleolus, above the SPN trace, and the reference electrode was placed 3 cm away. Disposable ring electrodes were used as strip electrodes for stimulation and placed one-third proximal of the metatarsal bones. The ground electrode was located between the stimulation and recording electrodes. Stimulation was given supramaximal and analyzed 10 times.Results:Nerve conduction study data obtained from a total of 100 feet of 50 healthy individuals were statistically analyzed. Forty-six percent (n = 23) of the participants were male and 54% (n = 27) were female. In our study, the maximum nerve conduction velocity lower 5th percentile limit value of distal SPN compound nerve action potentials (CNAPs) was found as 38.90 m/sec, the negative-peak nerve conduction velocity lower 5th percentile limit value was 30.12 m/s, and the baseline-to-peak amplitude lower 5th percentile limit value was 3.61 mu V.Conclusion:This study is the first to record CNAPs orthodromically from the distal SPN using disposable strip electrodes. In addition to the initial description of the technique, normative values were obtained from healthy individuals.