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. METHOD: 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%). CONCLUSION: 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.