The Semmes-Weinstein monofilament is used to test for what condition?

The Semmes-Weinstein monofilament is specifically designed to test for sensory nerve function, which is critical for detecting neuropathy, particularly in patients with conditions such as diabetes. This tool helps assess the ability to feel light touch and is most commonly used to identify peripheral neuropathy by applying a precise amount of pressure to the skin. When a patient has neuropathy, there is often a loss of sensation in the extremities, and the monofilament test shows how well the patient can detect this pressure.

The other options involve different assessments. Ankle dorsiflexion is evaluated using physical measures such as goniometry, rather than a sensory test. Diabetes itself is a condition rather than a sensory parameter tested with the monofilament, even though it can lead to complications such as neuropathy. Circulation assessments would typically utilize other diagnostic tools, such as Doppler ultrasonography or physical examination techniques, rather than a sensory test focused on neuropathy.