RESUMO
The importance of cutaneous sensibility to the function of a part has been well established. In the past, gross methods of measuring sensibility have prevented quantitative results which might imply a qualitative level of appreciation that could be classified as either protective or epicritic sensibility. The Weinstein-Semmes pressure aesthesiometer is used to establish the level of point and/or area localization of light touch to deep pressure. An eye caliper or Boley gauge is used to establish the level of light touch two-point discrimination. Difficulties encountered with the instruments are discussed. The extent of the cutaneous area to be tested is determined by the diagnosis, by whether the total effect of asingle nerve injury is to be tested is determined by the diagnosis, by whether the total effect of a single nerve injury is to be assessed, or by the degeneration. Response patterns with their possible effect on evaluation of test results are enumerated. Interpretation of reults is made only after comparison of the involved and uninvolved hand, correlation of the pressure aesthesiometer and two-point discrimination values, comparison with established norms and special considerations. The deciding factor for establishing the presence of epicritic sensibility is the discrimination of two points at a distance no greater than two or three millimeters above normal.