Abstract
The purpose of the present investigation was to learn the extent of the motor dysfunction in patients with intervertebral disc herniation of L4-5 and L5-S1 levels (I.D.H.). Measurements were made on the latency of F-wave and its conduction velocity of the nerve responsible for producing F-wave (FWCV).
The results obtained were as follows :
1) There were no significant differences in the mean values of the shortest latency of F-wave between the normal subjects and the patients with I.D.H. There were no statistically significant differences in the FWCV with the shortest latency between these two groups.
2) The mean values of the longest latency of F-wave showed a statistically significant prolongation in the patients with I.D.H. The same was true of the FWCV with the longest latency in I.D.H.
3) A statistically significant prolongation of the time difference between the longest and shortest latency were observed in I.D.H.
4) As for the mean values of the duration and amplitude of F-wave, there were no statistically significant differences between the normal and the patients. Nevertheless, the duration in I.D.H. tended to be longer.
5) It is inferred from these results that F-wave with the longest latency and slowest conduction velocity give us very important information regarding the damages of the nerve roots.
