American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Jan 1999
Normal values for sensory thresholds in the cervical dermatomes: a critical note on the use of Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments.
In many healthy subjects, sensory thresholds for touch using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments appear to be higher than the 2.83 filament, which some authors have suggested as a screening instrument. The currently proposed normal values, the interpretation of results, as well as the calibration of the filaments are questioned. A normative study of 20 normal subjects using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments was undertaken at a pain clinic in a university hospital. ⋯ Individual results have to be related to the mean of the subject to determine abnormality. Calibration of the monofilaments is important. When these terms are met, testing with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments is an easy, reliable, and relatively inexpensive method of quantitative sensory testing and can be a useful tool in the process of rehabilitation.