Automated Semmes Weinstein monofilament examination replication using optical imaging and mechanical probe assembly

The World Health Organization reports more than 135 million people globally suffer from diabetes, with 25% developing peripheral neuropathy and estimates the numbers living with diabetes will reach over 300 million by 2025. Peripheral neuropathy is a term used to describe the loss of feeling in the peripheral limbs. If not properly managed, amputation of the lower limbs can be the result. Regular screening is required for this condition so as to avoid further deterioration. This paper describes an automated peripheral neuropathy testing device replicating the widely accepted Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Examination. In this paper a patient’s foot is scanned optically and the subsequent image processing and grid information algorithms presented reliably identify the plantar surface sensory neuropathy pressure points on a given patient’s foot. Then, these coordinates are relayed to an automated mechanical probe driven by a microcontroller where it randomly applies the accepted 98mN (10g) of force to those pressure points.