Inter- and intra-tester reliability of sensibility testing in digital nerve repair

J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2016 Jul;41(6):621-3. doi: 10.1177/1753193415621273. Epub 2015 Dec 18.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the inter- and intra-tester reliability of the static two-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests in digital nerve repair. A total of 100 digital nerves from 67 patients were included into the study. An experienced orthopaedic surgeon and a physiotherapist examined the sensory nerve recovery. The reproducibility score of both tests was at a poor level, but the reliability of the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test was higher than the static two-point discrimination test. These tests should not be used alone in the quantitative monitoring of sensory recovery, but should be interpreted with the clinical findings.Level 3 non-randomized controlled study.

Keywords: Digital nerve; monofilament test; reliability; two-point discrimination test.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Finger Injuries / physiopathology
  • Finger Injuries / surgery*
  • Fingers / innervation*
  • Fingers / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peripheral Nerve Injuries / physiopathology
  • Peripheral Nerve Injuries / surgery*
  • Recovery of Function / physiology*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Touch / physiology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult