Thermographic investigation of osseous stress pathology.

Thermographic investigation of osseous stress pathology.
Arthur DT, Khan MM, Barclay LC. Source Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University of Technology Perth, WA 6102, AUS. masood.khan@curtin.edu.au

Abstract
The debilitating pathology of stress fracture accounts for 10% of all athletic injuries[2], with prevalence as high as 20% in modern military basic training cohorts [3]. Increasing concerns surrounding adverse effects of radiology [5], combined with the 12.5% contribution of diagnostic imaging to Australian Medicare benefits paid in 2009-10 [6], have prompted the search for alternative/adjunct electronic decision support systems[7]. Within conducive physio-anatomic milieu, thermal infrared imaging (TIRI) may feasibly be used to remotely detect and topographically map diagnostically useful signs of supra-threshold thermodynamic pathophysiology. This paper details a three month clinical pilot study into TIRI-based detection of osseous stress pathology in the lower legs of Australian Army basic trainees. A data set of over 500 TIRI's was amassed. The apparent 'normal' thermal profile of the anterior aspect of the asymptomatic lower leg is topographically defined and validated against current thermophysiological theory [8] via cadaveric dissection.