The reliability of medial and lateral plantar nerve recordings in healthy elderly individuals.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of medial plantar (MP) and lateral plantar (LP) nerve conduction studies (NCS) in healthy individuals aged >65 years, and to obtain reference values for this age group. The study included 81 healthy subjects. MP response was absent in only 2 subjects, but LP response could not be obtained bilaterally in 43 of the 81 subjects. Regression analysis showed that MP NCS could be reliably performed in those aged ≤ 72 years and normal values for MP nerve in individuals aged 66-72 years would be strongly against a large-fiber neuropathy. However, LP response was absent in 53.1 % of the healthy elderly subjects; therefore, we think it is unreliable to study the LP nerve in this age group.