The Electrophysiologic Anatomy of the Superficial Peroneal Nerve

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2004;6(1):23-29.
Published online May 10, 2004.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomical course of superficial peroneal nerve using electrophysiologic study. Methods: Twenty healthy young adults without the clinical signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy were evaluated with superficial peroneal nerve conduction study by antidromic technique. Tests were performed on one leg of each subject using Medelec.. electromyograph. The stimulation intensity were applied with minimal intensity to be able to induce normal sensory nerve action potential (SNAP). We verified the points at which the maximal amplitude of SNAP was obtained on each stimulating and recording lines. Results: The mean values of stimulating points were 68.7±8.9% of distance from tibial crest for 6 cm above intermalleolar line, 70.4±8.1% for 8cm, and 70.5±7.8% for 10cm and the mean values of recording points were 47.3±9.8% of distance from medial foot line for 20% line of foot length below intermalleolar line, 46.1±10.6% for 30% line of foot length, 45.9±11.3% for 40% line of foot length. Conclusion: The optimal sites of stimulating electrode were about 70% points from tibial crest to fibular bone and the optimal sites of recording electrode were from 30% to 50% range from medial line of foot in 80% cases. All of the optimal recording electrode sites were within 1cm from dorsalis pedis artery.

Key Words: Superficial peroneal nerve, Nerve conduction study, Electrophysiologic anatomy, Stimulating electrode, Active electrode