The Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament test has been shown to be a useful addition to the armamentarium of the health-care providers of those with peripheral nerve involvement. A "shirt-pocket" portable version is available from Connecticut Bioinstruments Inc. Peripheral nerve involvement can arise from many reasons including metabolic (e. g., Diabetes) and trauma (e. g., accidents or repetitive motion syndromes). The use of these devices on the foot is limited by the variable nature of callus. This effort is concerned with enhancing monofilament esthesiometers by creating a measure of the callus at the site. The research is being engineered to provide a measure of callus to facilitate the valid measure of normal nerve function in callused feet. Phase II will supply norms. In Phase 111, the device will be licensed to manufacturers and distributors, some of which already have displayed interest.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research: The original Semmes-Weinstein monofilament esthesiometer is a commercial success, despite its recognized limitations. The new instrument will merely add to the utility of the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament esthesiometer by enabling its use on the foot.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
