Conduction velocity in the proximal sural nerve.

Sensory conduction velocity in the proximal portion of the sural nerve differs significantly from that in the distal portion and is less variable. Its determination should improved the value and accuracy of the electroneurographic examination of this nerve. Antidromic conduction velocities in 3 contiguous nerve segments of 10cm each, were determined in 102 sural nerves in normal subjects. The mean velocity in the most distal segment was 33.9 +/- 3.25m/sec. The mean velocities for the middle and most proximal segments were 51.0 +/- 3.8m/sec and 51.6 +/- 3.8m/sec respectively and were not significantly different. There was a positive correlation between conduction velocities and skin temperatures below 84F (28.9C), and no correlation for temperatures above 84F. A sural communicating branch from the common peroneal nerve was demonstrated by electrical stimulation in 9 of 107 cases. The results showed that proximal conduction velocity determination in the sural nerve is a practical procedure.