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

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 less than .003) as well as those greater than 30 years old (P less than .05). However, normal thresholds were not recovered in these patient populations.