Plantar sensory threshold in the ulcerative foot

Abstract

Pressure threshold measurements were made using a set of three Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments on 132 plantar ulcer sites in 72 leprosy patients and 45 plantar ulcer sites in 28 diabetic patients. The most common sites of ulceration were the great toe and first metatarsal head. No patient could feel monofilaments smaller than 6·10 (75 g). The next smallest filament, 5·07 (10 g), was identified as the level of protective sensation in leprosy patients who customarily use footwear. Similar results were shown in a small group of diabetic patients.