Timing of the thermographic assessment of burns.

Timing of the thermographic assessment of burns. 

The thermographic assessment of burns using infrared imaging has previously been shown to be a useful aid in the estimation of burn depth. In this study, thermographic images of burns, obtained from 65 patients over a 4-year period, were reviewed. ... The results of this study suggest that thermography of burns, to assess depth, should be performed within 3 days following the injury.

Thermographic assessment of temporomandibular disorders symptomology during orthodontic treatment.

Thermographic assessment of temporomandibular disorders symptomology during orthodontic treatment.
McBeth SB, Gratt BM.

Source
University of California, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, USA.

Abstract
The relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms has been the focus of many subjective studies. Objective studies are now needed. Electronic thermography (ET) has shown promise as an objective tool for assessing temporomandibular disorders. Clinical TMD examinations and ET were performed on 21 control subjects, 18 subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment, and 20 subjects with TMD pain. Standardized blinded clinical examinations that used algometry were conducted. Data were analyzed to determine the usefulness of ET as an objective measure of TMD symptoms. The ET alone identified the subjects with painful clicking TMD with a sensitivity of 87%. Subjects with no painful clicking (controls) were identified with a specificity of 86%. The ET findings also had a strong correlation with pain to muscle palpation. This study indicates that ET shows promise as an objective tool for selecting normal subjects from subjects with TMD symptoms. The ET could prove to be valuable in accessing the relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD symptoms in future longitudinal studies.

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.

Efficacy of low level laser therapy in myofascial pain syndrome: an algometric and thermographic evaluation.

Efficacy of low level laser therapy in myofascial pain syndrome: an algometric and thermographic evaluation.
Hakgüder A, Birtane M, Gürcan S, Kokino S, Turan FN. Source Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical Faculty of Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The efficacy of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) seems controversial. Our aim was to clarify the effect of LLLT in MPS by using algometry and thermography.
STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients with MPS having an active trigger point in the neck or upper back region were randomly divided into two equal groups according to therapy applied (group 1: LLLT + stretching exercises, group 2: stretching exercises alone). The outcome measures were pain measured with visual analogue scale (VAS), algometry on the trigger point, algometric difference, thermographic difference, and thermal asymmetry. Comparison was made within and between the groups pre- and post-therapeutically and 3 weeks after therapy.
RESULTS: Mean pain values decreased more significantly in group 1 from baseline to 3 weeks follow up (7.54-3.06) while these values were 7.03-5.19 in group 2 (P < 0.05). Group comparisons revealed significant favorable differences in group 1 patients in terms of all other parameters at the first and the second evaluation post therapeutically (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: LLLT seemed to be beneficial for pain in MPS by using algometry and thermography.

Screening for fever by remote-sensing infrared thermographic camera.

Screening for fever by remote-sensing infrared thermographic camera.

Chan LS et al.; Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Following the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, remote-sensing infrared
thermography (IRT) has been advocated as a possible means of screening for fever in travelers
at airports and border crossings, but its applicability has not been established. We therefore set
out to evaluate (1) the feasibility of IRT imaging to identify subjects with fever, and (2) the optimal
instrumental configuration and validity for such testing. CONCLUSIONS: IRT readings from the
side of the face, especially from the ear at 0.5 m, yielded the most reliable, precise and consistent
estimates of conventionally determined body temperatures. Our results have important
implications for walk-through IRT scanning/screening systems at airports and border crossings,
particularly as the point prevalence of fever in such subjects would be very low.