Determination of normal values of nerve conduction of Tibial and Peroneal nerves among normal healthy subjects

Abstract

Nerve conductive studies are the most informative portion of the electrodiagnostic evaluation for a peripheral neuropathy. It is preferable to design a nerve conductive study for each type of disease or syndrome in our locality by answering specific questions. Recently, there is increased interest in quality of normative values for each test result and compare should be done between normal and patients regarding specific disease. So, the aim of the present study is to determine the normal values of nerve conductive study of tibial and peroneal nerves among normal healthy subjects in Tikrit city. The study has been conducted at rheumatology department neurophysiology unit at Tikrit teaching hospital at the period from 15th November 2011 to 15th of May 2012. Two hundred and ten (210) normal healthy volunteers from medical students & medical staff from Tikrit teaching hospital (TTH) participates in the present study to evaluate the normal values of NCS for different age groups. The normal healthy subjects consist of 210 volunteers according to age groups:Group 1- Ninety subjects aged 20 to 29 years (50 male 40 female). Group 2- Forty subjects aged 30 to 39 years (20 male 20 female). Group 3- Forty subjects aged 40 to 49 years (20 male 20 female). Group 4- Forty subjects aged 50 to 59 years (20 male 20 female). The NCS was done by NIHON KOHDEN / Neuropack S1 EMG / EP Measuring System MEB-9400 Model 2009. In male subjects, there is no significant difference regarding conductive velocity between right & left tibial nerves at age group 30-39 as compare to 20-29 years. However, there is significant reduction in NCV of both right & left tibial nerves at age group 40-49 years as compare to age group 20-29 years. Also, there significant reduction in NCV of right & left tibial nerves at age group 50-59 years (42.85 ± 9.1 * & 40.2 ± 5.8 ** respectively) as compare with right & left tibal nerves at age group 20-29 years (47.81 ± 5.41 & 46.84 ± 2.2 respectively). In female subjects, there is no significant difference regarding conductive velocity of left tibial nerve at age group 30-39 as compare with age group 20-29 years. However, there is significant reduction in NCV of right tibial nerve at age group 30-39 years (42.01 ± 5.3** p=0.01) as compare to the same nerve at age group 20-29 years, (47.54 ± 5.33 m/sec). While, there is significant reduction in NCV of both right & left tibial nerves at age group 40-49 years (34.85 ± 9.5**, 37.46 ± 5.65** respectively) as compare to age group 20-29 years (47.54 ± 5.33 m/sec, 46.41 ± 2.53 respectively). Also, there significant reduction in NCV of right & left tibial nerves at age group 50-59 years (40.15 ± 9.1 * & 40.55 ± 7.46 ** m/sec respectively) as compare with right & left tibal nerves at age group 20-29 years (47.54 ± 5.33 & 46.41 ± 2.53 m/sec respectively).