Interpretation of cutaneous pressure threshold (Semmes‐Weinstein monofilament measurement) following median nerve repair and sensory reeducation in the adult

Abstract

Semmes-Weinstein nylon monofilaments are used to evaluate recovery of cutaneous pressure threshold in adults recovering from median nerve repair at the wrist level. Of the 46 patients studied, 22 received a program of sensory reeducation. The nylon monofilament measurements accurately described the improvement in recovered sensation following nerve repair. There was a statistically significant better recovery (lower threshold) in patients receiving sensory reeducation, which was present in those less than 30 years old (P <.003) as well as those greater than 30 years old (P <.05). However, normal thresholds were not recovered in these patient populations.