The 'Ten Test': application and limitations in assessing sensory function in the paediatric hand.

Abstract

The Ten Test, first described in 1997 by Strauch et al., is a simple, rapid, reliable and sensitive method to evaluate hand sensibility in adults. In this study, we validated its use in children. We asked patients to rate sensibility elicited by a light moving touch on the palmar surface of digits in reference to sensibility elicited by the same touch in a digit confirmed as normal. A total of 73 subjects (age range: 1-12 years) were tested. Patients under age 5 years were significantly less likely to complete the test. The kappa statistic for the Ten Test in nine subjects, each tested separately by two examiners, demonstrated very strong inter-observer reliability (kappa=1.0, p<0.003). The Ten Test is a simple, validated, non-threatening method to evaluate hand sensibility in children and adolescents. We recommend its clinical use in patients age 5 years and older.