Method and apparatus for evaluating motor nerve impairment in a patient suffering from lower lumber discopathy

摘要

A method and apparatus for evaluating motor nerve impairment in a patient suffering from lumber discopathy, by: immobilizing both lower legs and feet of the patient but permitting movement of the patient's two big toes; measuring the maximum forces capable of being applied simultaneously by the patient's two big toes in extension; and utilizing the measurements for evaluating the nerve impairment. The maximum forces are measured by force sensors which require very little displacement of the two big toes, preferably less than 1.0 mm, for the effective range of the measurement. The maximum forces capable of being applied by the patient's two big toes are measured in each of a plurality of separate actions over a predetermined time interval so as also to provide an indication of the degree of fatigue.