@article{23691,
  keywords = {Age Factors, Humans, Humidity, Materials Testing, Neural Conduction, Observer Variation, Pain Perception, Peripheral Nervous System Diseases, Physical Stimulation, Risk Factors, Sensitivity and Specificity, Sensory Thresholds, Skin, Temperature},
  author = {Haloua MH and Sierevelt I and Theuvenet W},
  title = {Semmes-weinstein monofilaments: influence of temperature, humidity, and age.},
  abstract = {<p><b>PURPOSE: </b>To determine whether the buckling force of Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments is influenced by changes in temperature, humidity, and aging.</p><p><b>METHODS: </b>We tested 16 Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments from North Coast Medical, varying in age from new to 12 years old. From each kit, we used the 2.83/0.07 g, 3.61/0.4 g, 4.31/2g, and 4.56/4 g filaments. Four observers tested the filaments under temperature/humidity conditions of 26°C/33%, 26°C/80%, 37°C/33%, and 37°C/80%.</p><p><b>RESULTS: </b>Air temperature and humidity both significantly influence buckling force. At 26°C/33% the buckling force varies by an average of 2% from the standard data supplied by the manufacturer, whereas in the other 3 conditions (26°C/80%, 37°C/33%, and 37°C/80%), the buckling force can decrease by as much as 39%. Effect of age was small and not clinically relevant.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS: </b>The significant changes in buckling force of the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments in different temperature and humidity conditions might lead to a potential misinterpretation by the examiner regarding the level of peripheral nerve function loss. This could lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment.</p><p><b>CLINICAL RELEVANCE: </b>Examiners should be aware when using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments that the environmental effects of temperature and humidity can affect the accuracy of measurement.</p>},
  year = {2011},
  journal = {The Journal of hand surgery},
  volume = {36},
  pages = {1191-6},
  month = {2011 Jul},
  issn = {1531-6564},
  doi = {10.1016/j.jhsa.2011.04.009},
  language = {eng},
}