The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve: nerve conduction technique.

In 58 subjects without signs or symptoms of peripheral nerve disorders, an antidromic sensory nerve conduction study was performed on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Anatomic dissections were performed on two cadavers to reveal the course of the nerve and to localize the optimal stimulation and recording sites. Mean sensory nerve action potential latency was measured at 1.7 msec (SD = 0.23) with a mean amplitude of 10.5 microV (SD = 4.0). The optimal localization of recording and stimulating surface electrodes and nerve conduction technique procedures are discussed. Reliable electrophysiologic criteria, according to age and body mass index, are obtained.