The accuracy of VibraTip diagnostics in detecting peripheral neuropathy in diabetic feet: a scoping review

Rita Widya Laksmi; Heri Kristianto; Nurul Muslihah; Heni Dwi Windarwati

Rita Widya Laksmi Department of Nursing, Nursing Master Program, Faculty of Health Science, University of Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
Heri Kristianto Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
Nurul Muslihah Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
Heni Dwi Windarwati Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia

Keywords: diabetes, neuropathy, VibraTip TM

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease in which pancreatic beta cells are damaged, leading to insulin resistance. One of the complications of diabetes is diabetic foot neuropathy. Early detection of neuropathy can reduce the risk of foot ulcers and related complications. VibraTip^TM was created specifically to get over the drawbacks of the 128-Hz tuning fork. This review aims to decide the accuracy of VibraTip^TM in recognizing peripheral neuropathy within the diabetic foot. This review used a scoping review approach involving searches of articles in three databases (ProQuest, Pubmed, and Google Scholar) using the PICOS framework. Article screening used the PRISMA method by removing duplicate articles and articles that did not meet the author’s criteria. A PRISMA flowchart is provided to illustrate the search flow. Out of a total of 206 identified articles, five were found to be relevant and descriptive of the accuracy of VibraTip^TM in detecting peripheral neuropathy in the diabetic foot. VibraTip^TM is more sensitive than tuning forks in diagnosing diabetic peripheral neuropathy.