Evaluation of Sensation of Distal Interphalangeal Crease

Abstract

In sensory map, interphalangeal creases are regarded as the only border line between phalanxes. So there have been only a few investigations on the sensation of the interphalangeal crease. In this study, we tested the sensation of th distal interphalangeal crease, finger tip, and finger pulp.
The subjects were 88 middle fingers of 44 volunteers. We tested sensation at 8 points from the finger tips to the proximal interphalangeal creases. The sensation was examined by pinprick test, 2-point discrimination test, and Semmes-Weinstein monoffilament test.
In the pinprick test and S-W test, highest sensitivity was at the finger pulp. In the 2PD test, highest sensitivity was at the finger tip. In all the tests, the distal interphalangeal crease had the lowest sensitivity at 8 points. There was statistical significance in sensory transition (Friedman test).