Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2021 May-Jun;37(3S):S39-S43.
doi: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000001788.

Assessment of Tactile Sensitivity Threshold Using Cochet-Bonnet Esthesiometer and Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments and Their Use in Corneal Neurotization

Frédéric Vinee  1 , Oana Grobnicu  2 , Charlotte Errera  1 , Gabrielle Gomart  1 , Nicolas Tuzin  3 , Antoine Heitz  1 , Philippe Liverneaux  2 , Tristan Bourcier  1
Affiliations

Assessment of Tactile Sensitivity Threshold Using Cochet-Bonnet Esthesiometer and Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments and Their Use in Corneal Neurotization

Frédéric Vinee et al. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021 May-Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: Although the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer (CBE) measures corneal sensitivity, it has heretofore only been tested on the index pulp. Tactile skin sensitivity thresholds are measured with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWM). This study measured skin sensitivity thresholds in healthy individuals using CBE and SWM, and compared both instruments in territories involved in corneal neurotization.

Methods: Overall, 27 healthy individuals were tested by a single examiner at 9 territories on the face, neck, forearm, and leg, using 20-thread SWM and CBE with a diameter of 0.12 mm. Both sides were tested. Thresholds were compared for both instruments and between the different territories using Bayesian methods.

Results: Mean sensitivity levels for SWM ranged from 0.010 to 1.128 g, while mean sensitivity levels for CBE ranged from 0.006 to 0.122 g. Thresholds measured with SWM were significantly higher than with CBE. Both instruments demonstrated higher thresholds in the leg territory than the forearm. However, the forearm presented higher thresholds than the head territories. No significant differences were found between the head territories themselves. Overall, right-side territories exhibited lower thresholds than left-side territories.

Conclusions: We have reported the first mapping of skin sensitivity thresholds using CBE. Thresholds measured with CBE and SWM were coherent. The use of CBE on the skin is particularly relevant to the field of corneal neurotization.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no financial or conflicts of interest to disclose.

References

    1. Bonnel F, Allieu Y, Sugata Y, Rabischong P.Bases anatomo-chirurgicales des neurotisations pour avulsions radiculaires du plexus brachial Anat Clin. 1979; 1:291–296
    1. Liverneaux PA, Diaz LC, Beaulieu JY, et al. Preliminary results of double nerve transfer to restore elbow flexion in upper type brachial plexus palsies Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006; 117:915–919
    1. Murphey AW, Clinkscales WB, Oyer SL.Masseteric nerve transfer for facial nerve paralysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2018; 20:104–110
    1. Chen C, Tang P, Zhang X.Finger sensory reconstruction with transfer of the proper digital nerve dorsal branch J Hand Surg Am. 2013; 38:82–89
    1. Dua HS, Said DG, Messmer EM, et al. Neurotrophic keratopathy Prog Retin Eye Res. 2018; 66:107–131

LinkOut - more resources