Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Methods for In Vivo Biomechanical Testing on Brachial Plexus in Neonatal Piglets
Published on: December 19, 2019
Pectoral nerve conduction studies: technique in healthy subjects and evaluation of brachial plexopathy
Yew-Long Lo1, Kumar M Prakash, Teng-Hee Leoh
1Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. gnrlyl@sgh.com.sg
Objective:
To define the optimal nerve conduction study (NCS) technique of the pectoral nerves and evaluate its clinical utility.
Design:
Prospective electrophysiologic study with healthy controls.
Setting:
Electrophysiologic laboratory in a large general hospital.
Participants:
Thirty healthy controls and 10 patients with cervical root or brachial plexus pathologies.
Interventions:
Not applicable.
Main Outcome Measure:
Correlation of pectoral NCS with electromyography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Results:
For pectoral NCS, the mean values +/- standard deviation of onset latency, amplitude, and interside amplitude ratio (ratio of smaller over larger amplitude) were 2.01+/-0.22 ms, 11.75+/-2.21 mV, and .95+/-.04 mV, respectively. Subject age correlated significantly with both onset latency (r=.46, P<.001) and amplitude (r=-.34, P<.008). All 5 patients with brachial plexopathy had amplitude ratios below the normal limit of controls (.87). However, this was not seen for all 5 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.
Conclusions:
The pectoral NCS technique is feasible in healthy subjects. It is useful when differentiating brachial plexopathy from cervical root lesions.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
01:15Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
01:11Assessment of radial pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist, is often the preferred site for assessing peripheral pulse because of its accessibility and dependability. The process of determining the radial pulse involves several steps:
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:21Sites for measuring blood pressure
The Brachial Artery: Primary Site for Blood Pressure Measurement
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...