Peroneal nerve F-wave latencies recorded from the extensor digitorum brevis

This study was performed to create a large database of normal peroneal F-wave latencies. A total of 180 subjects were tested bilaterally and had their shortest (Fmin), mean (Fmean), and latency range (Frange) of F-waves recorded. The number of F-waves present out of ten stimuli (Fpersist) was also recorded. Demographic characteristics were noted and an analysis of variance was performed to determine whether any of these characteristics were associated with different results for the F-wave measures. Age and height, and, to a lesser extent, gender correlated with differences in Fmin, and Fmean, but not Frange. Race and body mass index (weight divided by height squared) were not associated with any differences in results. The mean Fmin was 50.2 +/- 5.5 ms. Mean Fmean was 52.0 +/- 5.6 ms and mean Frange was 4.9 +/- 2.3 ms. Median Fpersist was between 5 and 6. Mean side-to-side difference for Fmin was 0.7 +/- 2.4 ms. All other results are provided in the article. This article presents a database for normal values and the upper limits of normal for Fmin, Fmean, Frange, and side-to-side differences. A low Fpersist does not seem particularly clinically useful for the peroneal nerve, although a high Fpersist seems to be a sign of normality.