Optimal stimulation site for deep peroneal motor nerve conduction study around the ankle: cadaveric study.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the optimal distal stimulation point for conventional deep peroneal motor nerve (DPN) conduction studies by a cadaveric dissection study.


METHODS
DPN was examined in 30 ankles from 20 cadavers. The distance from the DPN to the tibialis anterior (TA) tendon was estimated at a point 8 cm proximal to the extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) muscle. Relationships between the DPN and tendons including TA, extensor hallucis longus (EHL), and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) tendons were established.


RESULTS
The median distance from the DPN to the TA tendon in all 30 cadaver ankles was 10 mm (range, 1-21 mm) at a point 8 cm proximal to the EDB muscle. The DPN was situated between EHL and EDL tendons in 18 cases (60%), between TA and EHL tendons in nine cases (30%), and lateral to the EDL tendon in three cases (10%).


CONCLUSIONS
The optimal distal stimulation point for the DPN conduction study was approximately 1 cm lateral to the TA tendon at the level of 8 cm proximal to the active electrode. The distal stimulation site for the DPN should be reconsidered in cases with a weaker distal response but without an accessory peroneal nerve.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Korea University, Ansan 425-707, Korea.
Ki Hoon
KH
Kim
Dong Hwee
DH
Kim
Hyeong Suk
HS
Yun
Byung Kyu
BK
Park
Ji Eun
JE
Jang