NCV FIELD ATLASEvidence-based nerve conduction learning Open in the interactive 3D atlas
Motor study Upper limb

Ulnar motor nerve conduction study

Place G1 over the hypothenar eminence and stimulate sequentially at the wrist, below elbow, above elbow and axilla.

01 · Placement

G1, G2, stimulation and ground landmarks

G1 active recording electrode

G1: hypothenar eminence

Place G1 over the hypothenar eminence.

Table 2 · p.373 ↗
G2 reference electrode

G2: just distal to the fifth MCP joint

Place G2 just distal to the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint.

Table 2 · p.373 ↗
Stimulation site

Wrist stimulation: just radial to the FCU tendon

Stimulate at the wrist just radial to the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon, 8 cm from G1.

Table 2 · p.373 ↗
Stimulation site

Below elbow: 4 cm distal to the medial epicondyle

Flex the elbow to 90° and stimulate 4 cm distal to the medial epicondyle.

Table 2 · p.373 ↗
Stimulation site

Above elbow: 10 cm proximal along the curved path

From the below-elbow site, measure 10 cm proximally along the curve behind the medial epicondyle, just volar to the triceps.

Table 2 · p.373 ↗
Stimulation site

Axilla: 10 cm proximal to the above-elbow site

Stimulate in the axilla 10 cm proximal to the above-elbow site.

Table 2 · p.373 ↗
Ground region

Ground electrode region

AANEM places the ground between the stimulating and recording electrodes. The model shows a usable ulnar forearm region, not a single mandatory point.

Table 2 · p.373 ↗

02 · Reference values

Adult normal limits

MeasureReference limitBasis
Distal CMAP amplitude ≥7.9 mV 3rd percentile lower limit
CV below elbow ≥52 m/s 3rd percentile lower limit
CV across elbow ≥43 m/s 3rd percentile lower limit
CV above elbow ≥50 m/s 3rd percentile lower limit
Distal motor latency ≤3.7 ms 97th percentile upper limit
CV drop across elbow ≤15 m/s or 23% 97th percentile upper limit

03 · Technique

Acquisition conditions

Fixed distance G1 to wrist: 8 cm; across-elbow segment: 10 cm
Sensitivity 5 mV/div
Sweep 2 ms/div
Limb position Elbow flexed 90°
Filter 2–3 Hz–10 kHz
Temperature Maintain dorsal hand skin temperature >32°C
Ground Place the ground between the stimulating and recording electrodes

Primary evidence

Method-matched AANEM reference data

Adult ulnar motor reference values, including the across-elbow conduction-velocity drop limit.

Open Table 4, p.375 ↗