Dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve conduction studies in an asymptomatic population.
OBJECTIVE
To establish the average distal sensory latency and amplitude of the dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve under controlled temperature and settings.


METHODS
Dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve conduction studies were performed with a bar electrode between the fourth and fifth metacarpals. The nerve was stimulated at 8 and 10cm from the active electrode. The temperature of the limbs under study was kept at 32 degrees C to 35 degrees C.


METHODS
Fifty-four arms of 27 subjects were studied.


RESULTS
Results showed that distal sensory latencies were normally distributed. The average distal sensory latencies at 8cm and 10cm were 1.84 +/- .20msec and 2.09 +/- .21msec, respectively, with average amplitudes of 26.5 +/- 9.7microV and 23.5 +/- 8.8microV. Comparison with a previously reported study in which the limb temperature was not controlled showed a statistically significant difference.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important to use standardized technique and to measure and maintain optimal temperature of the arm under study to prevent erroneous results and misdiagnosis.
Young
S H
SH
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA.
Kalantri
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction; D011930:Reaction Time; D013696:Temperature; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000502:physiology*