ABSTRACT
The loss of protective sensitivity in the diabetic foot requires an early diagnosis due to the imminent possibility of ulceration and amputation of the affected limb. In screening for loss of protective sensitivity, the 10 gf Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) is the most widely used first-line instrument. However, this decisive instrument lacks calibration and quality control. In this paper we present a study to objectively evaluate the SWM performance using a specific measuring equipment. We conducted a metrological verification of three monofilaments using an automated method under controlled conditions. The obtained results revealed that the SWM compression force depends on the number of repeated uses, the ambient temperature, and the displacement speed and contact with the patient’s skin. In fact, all the SWMs showed dependence on external factors and evidenced relative errors between 14 % and 167 %, values that can be considered critical to discriminate the pathology and its evolution.
