Reliability of pudendal nerve terminal motor latency

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate reliability of Pudendal Nerve Terminal Motor Latency (PNTML).

Methods: Forty healthy subjects, 24 women and 16 men, and eight female patients were included. Four patients had idiopathic faecal incontinence and 4 an anal sphincter rupture after child-birth. PNTML measurement was performed by two observers with the patient in left lateral and supine position. Examinations were repeated on another day to evaluate intraindividual reproducibility.

Results: Interobserver reproducibility was 92%-116% for PNTML. Degree of agreement for PNTML between left lateral and supine position was 86%-111%. Intra-individual reproducibility in the supine and left lateral positions was 89%-109% and 88%-113% respectively. Normal values for mean PNTML were higher in women compared with men, 1.91 msec (2 SD, 0.52 msec) and 1.74 msec (2 SD, 0.33 msec) respectively, t = 2.44, 37 DF, P < 0.01.

Conclusions: Reliability of PNTML in terms of interobserver and intraindividual reproducibility was high. Women had higher normal values for PNTML than men.