Sensory evaluation in hands of CMT patients using Semmes-Weinstein monofilam

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J Hand Ther. 2008 Jan-Mar;21(1):28-35.

Sensory evaluation of the hands in patients with charcot-marie-tooth

disease using semmes-weinstein monofilaments.

Schreuders TA, Selles RW, van Ginneken BT, Janssen WG, Stam HJ.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC - University

Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

In this study, the intra- and interobserver reliability of the Semmes-

Weinstein monofilaments (SWMFs) was determined in the hands of 15

patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. In addition, the amount

and distribution of sensory loss in the hand, and the relation

between sensory loss, intrinsic muscle strength, and hand dexterity

was explored in 45 patients.

SWMF testing had good intra- and interobserver reliability with intraclass

correlation coefficients of 0.91 and 0.86, respectively. The SWMF testing

revealed normal sensory function in 43% of all six locations. The average loss

of the intrinsic hand muscle strength was 57%. Poor strength was found in

patients with both poor and with good sensory function. The correlation between

the measurements of intrinsic muscle strength and the Sollerman test for

dexterity was 0.70.