Tactile recovery assessment with shortened Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments in patients with buccinator myomucosal flap oral cavity reconstructions

Background: The sensitive restoration is a primary aim of oral reconstructive surgery. The Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test is the “Gold Standard” to assess the threshold of tactile sensitivity on the skin but its use in the oral cavity is limited due to the size of the tools. We adopted half-cut Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments to evaluate the threshold of tactile sensitivity in oral reconstructions with buccinator myomucosal flaps. Materials and methods: Monofilaments were half-cut and recalibrated. Fifty-seven oral reconstructions were considered at 4-year minimum follow-up. Test was conducted both on the reconstructive flap and on the non-operated contralateral side. Results: All of the considered flaps (100%) showed a recovery of tactile sensitivity. The overall average tactile threshold value assessed on this sample was 0.76 ± 1.58 g/mm2overall. Conclusions: Shortened monofilaments allow easily assessment of tactile sensitivity in all the oral cavity areas, even in operated patients which often present lockjaw or microstomia.