Electrodiagnostic Study Of Medial And Lateral Plantar Nerves Among Healthy Individuals At Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: The tibial nerve divides into its terminal branches, medial and lateral plantar nerves in the tarsal tunnel or just proximal to it. Foot pain is a common disorder reported in 24% of adults and can be a cause of disability. Among the causes of foot pain is the entrapment of the tibial nerve or one of its branches a condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Objective: To study electrodiagnostic nerve conduction study of medial and lateral plantar nerves among healthy individuals.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 healthy individuals in the Department of Neurology of Saveetha Medical College and Hospital during 2021-2022. Both outpatient and inpatients referred from the Department of Neurology were evaluated as per inclusion and exclusion criteria.Prior permission was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee, and Informed consent was taken before conducting of the test. Electrodiagnostic nerve conduction tests of medial and lateral plantar nerves were done and responses were recorded.

Results: Out of 50 study participants, 30 participants were male and 20 participants were female and male to female ratio was 3:2. The mean amplitude of medial plantar nerve of the total study participants was 15.40±4.42 v, the mean latency was 3.72±1.48ms and mean nerve conduction velocity was 29.66±8.51 m/s. The mean amplitude of lateral plantar nerve of the total study participants was 3.793±0.804Mv, the mean latency was 3.07±0.67ms, latency and mean nerve conduction velocity was 21.49±3.20m/s NCV.

Conclusion: Electrodiagnostic nerve conduction tests of medial and lateral plantar nerves were helpful for early detection of peripheral neuropathies.