The sensitivity comparison of bar electrode and disposable ring electrode for recording of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2014 Apr;17(2):179-81. doi: 10.4103/0972-2327.132621.

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the sensitivity of bar electrode and disposable ring electrode for recording of lateral femoral cutaneous (LFCN).

Materials and methods: A total of 23 subjects (13 females, 10 males, mean age: 49.6 ± 9.6 (range: 29-63) were recruited in the study. A total of 36 recordings were obtained with each electrode (with bar and disposable ring electrodes) from the subjects. The comparison of data was performed with percentages and student T-table test.

Results: The response rate was 98% (35 out of 36 recordings) with bar electrode and 88% (32 out of 36 recordings) with disposable ring electrode. Although the sensitivity rate of bar electrode is slightly higher than of disposable ring electrode, there were no statistically significant differences in detecting the onset latency, peak latency, and amplitude of LFCN.

Conclusion: The recording sensitivity of LFCN is higher with bar electrode than disposable ring electrode. However, disposable ring electrode can be used alternatively.

Keywords: Bar electrode; LCFN; disposable ring electrode; lateral femoral cutaneous nerve; meralgia paresthetica; nerve conduction studies.