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

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.