Compound nerve action potential of common peroneal nerve recorded at fibular neck: its clinical usefulness

To determine the clinical usefulness of the compound nerve action potential of the common peroneal nerve recorded immediately distal to or at the fibular neck, at the same time stimulating the common peroneal nerve laterally at the posterior knee.

For recording the compound nerve action potential of the common peroneal nerve, the active recording electrode was secured just distal to or at the fibular neck area, whereas the stimulating electrode was placed on the medial border of the lateral hamstring tendon at the level of the popliteal crease. To reduce shock artifacts, a biphasic stimulation was used.

In 35 adults (n = 19 men), 70 nerves were tested. The compound nerve action potential from each individual was recorded. The compound nerve action potential amplitude of a baseline-to-negative peak and conduction velocity were measured on both sides. For comparisons of the side-to-side amplitude and conduction velocity, Wilcoxon's signed-rank test was applied.

This approach of recording the compound nerve action potential of the common peroneal nerve, in addition to conventional methods, may enhance the process of determining the precise localization of peroneal nerve lesion in the knee.