Computer-assisted measurement in diabetic patients with and without foot ulceration

Computer-assisted measurement of sensibility was done at four anatomical sites of the foot of patients with diabetes with (19) and without (40) foot ulceration. Cutaneous pressure threshold measurements of patients with diabetes were compared with measurements on 30 patients without diabetes who had nonulcerated feet. Both groups had mean one-point static and moving touch, and two-point discrimination thresholds significantly different from the general population. Computer-assisted sensibility testing demonstrated significantly higher pressure thresholds for one-point static and moving touch and two-point discrimination in the ulcerated compared with the nonulcerated foot of patients with diabetes. This measurement technique is valid for documenting diminished sensation in the foot.