The Frequency of Occurrence and the Electrophysiologic Characteristics of the Accessory Deep Peroneal Nerve

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2002;4(1):35-39.
Published online May 10, 2002.

Abstract

Objectives : Accessory deep peroneal nerve is a common anatomical variant, derived from the superficial peroneal nerve and innervates the lateral border of extensor digitorum brevis and sensory innervation for the lateral part of the ankle and foot regions. Because this variation may alter the usual clinical and electrophysiologic characteristics of peroneal nerve lesions, awareness of this anomalous innervation is important for clinical and electrodiagnostic evaluation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of occurrence and the electrophysiologic characteristics of accessory deep peroneal nerve. Methods : The accessory deep peroneal was detected by electrical stimulation behind the lateral malleolus and peroneal nerve conduction studies in 60 (male 30, female 30) healthy young individuals. Result : Accessory deep peroneal nerve was found in 22 nerves in 60 persons, 18.3%, similar to previous studies. Mean amplitude of accessory deep peroneal nerve was 2.67±1.62 mV on lateral extensor digitorum brevis recording and mean latency was 4.81±0.89 msec. The amplitude percentage, proximal amplitude as a percentage of the distal one, over 100% was an only predictor of the presence of this nerve, but in 2 nerve of 22 accessory deep peroneal nerve, the distal amplitude were greater than proximal one, amplitude percentage below 100%. Conclusion : The relatively high incidence of accessory deep peroneal nerve which may lead to an erroneous electrodiagonostic evaluation is pointed out and there is no absolute peridictor of accessory deep peroneal nerve. So, we suggested that routine stimulation to detect the accessory deep peroneal nerve.

Key Words: Accessory deep peroneal nerve, Frequency, Electrodiagnostic