Electronic Thermography Research Articles

The effect of elastic therapeutic taping and rigid taping on pain, functionality, and tissue temperature in lumbar radiculopathy: a randomized controlled study

Purpose To compare the therapeutic effects of different taping materials and techniques on pain, functionality, and tissue temperature in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. Methods: Patients with lumbar radiculopathy were included in the study (n = 51). Patients were randomly divided into three groups, which were the elastic taping (n = 17), rigid taping (n = 17), and placebo taping groups (n = 17). All patients were enrolled in a physiotherapy and rehabilitation program that included thermotherapy, electrotherapy, and exercise five times a week for 2 weeks. The pain was measured before and after treatment using the Visual Analogue Scale. Functionality and quality of life were measured using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. The tissue temperature of the treated area in the lumbar region was measured by digital electronic infra-red thermography. Results: After the treatment, pain, functionality, and quality of life were improved in all groups (p < 0.05). Elastic taping was more effective in decreasing pain and increasing functionality than placebo taping (p < 0.05), but no difference was observed between placebo taping and rigid tapping. Local tissue temperature did not change before and after treatment in the elastic taping group (p > 0.05). Tissue temperature increased in the rigid and placebo taping groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Taping therapy in patients with lumbar radiculopathy has a positive effect on pain and functional status. Elastic taping can be recommended for clinical use because its effect is superior in some recovery parameters and its ease of use.

Thermographic assessment of temporomandibular disorders symptomology during orthodontic treatment

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. The ET was performed with an Agema 870 unit (Agema Infrared Systems, Secaucus, N.J.) under controlled conditions. 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. (Am J Orthod Dentofac Orthop 1996;109:481-8.)

Electronic thermography for the assessment of inferior alveolar nerve deficit

Neurosensory deficit is one of the major complications encountered in oral and maxillofacial surgery. OBJECTIVES. To determine the efficacy of electronic thermography in objectively assessing neurosensory deficits of the inferior alveolar nerve. STUDY DESIGN. Three studies were conducted measuring skin temperature over the chin region of the face at 0.1 degree C accuracy. RESULTS. (1) Thermal symmetry of the chin region in normal subjects (delta T = 0.2 degree C, SD = 0.02 degree C); (2) Induction of transient thermal asymmetry by local anesthetic injection (delta T = +0.4 degree C, SD = 0.2 degree C); (3) nine subjects with neurologic alterations of the inferior alveolar nerve (delta T = +0.5 degree C, SD = 0.2 degree C). Statistically significant differences were found between control group and experimental groups at p < 0.001 with the use of the Student's t test. CONCLUSIONS. These studies indicate that electronic thermography is capable of detecting sensory changes caused by inferior alveolar nerve injury or by pharmacologic nerve block.

Electronic thermography for the assessment of mild and moderate temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Today facial heat emission patterns may be rapidly obtained and quantified with the use of advanced electronic thermography units that have the promise of being a nonionizing, noninvasive, low-cost diagnostic alternative for the evaluation of temporomandibular joint disorders. This study design measured the use of electronic thermography as a tool to select between asymptomatic (control) subjects and a patient group with mild to moderate temporomandibular joint disorders. Study populations consisted of 24 asymptomatic (control) subjects and 20 patients with (1) either locked or unlocked temporomandibular joints, (2) varying degrees of limitation of mouth opening, (3) mild to moderate muscle pain, and (4) mild to moderate temporomandibular joint arthralgia. The results indicated that the control group demonstrated a high level of thermal symmetry over the temporomandibular joint region. The patient group demonstrated a low level of thermal symmetry with a delta T value of 0.4 degrees C. The control group was selected from the patient group with 85% sensitivity (17 of 20), and 92% specificity (22 of 24), and 89% overall accuracy (39 of 44), when selecting among the 44 subjects used in this study. The conclusion therefore is that electronic thermography shows promise as a method of diagnosing mild to moderate temporomandibular joint disorders.

Panoramic dental radiography as an aid in detecting patients at risk for stroke

Purpose: Atherosclerotic lesions in the region of the bifurcation of the common carotid artery and in the internal carotid artery are the most common cause of stroke. On occasion these lesions are calcified and visible on a panoramic dental radiograph. Methods: Six subjects receiving outpatient dental treatment and denying a history of previous transient ischemic attacks or stroke had bilateral calcified carotid arterial lesions noted on their routine panoramic dental radiograph. Results: Electronic thermography (ET) demonstrated that these patients had significant temperature differences bilaterally between their medial supraorbital region and the ipsilateral remainder of their forehead when compared with control subjects. These findings are consistent with the presence of calcified stenotic intraluminal plaques altering blood flow, tissue perfusion, and skin temperature readings. The presence of stenotic plaques was verified by Doppler spectral analysis and imaging. Conclusion: ET of the face, currently considered an investigational procedure, demonstrates promise as an ancillary imaging system capable of confirming the diagnosis of patients at risk of stroke. Such individuals should be referred to an appropriate physician for consideration of medications and/or surgical removal of the plaque. In selected individuals, these are safe and relatively reliable methods of preventing stroke.

Future Applications of Electronic Thermography

The dental literature does not yet indicate the full range of facial thermographic findings in health and disease. Thermography is not useful in assessing some common dental problems, such as periapical granuloma. Promising reports, however, support its use in the diagnosis of neuralgias and atypical odontalgia, TMJ, nerve damage and repair after oral surgery, and in evaluating local dental anesthesia. Unfortunately, few if any of these studies were properly designed or conducted, limiting current attempts to define the value of thermography in dentistry. Until this situation resolves, ET of the face, for use in dentistry, can only be considered an investigational procedure. More research will clarify the precise contribution of thermography to dental problems.

Electronic thermography in the assessment of interanl derangement of the temporomandibular joint: A pilot study

Current diagnostic imaging methods to evaluate internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) include arthrotomography, arthroscopy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Most of these techniques either require ionizing radiation or are invasive, and all are expensive. Electronic thermography (ET) is an alternative diagnostic imaging modality that is inexpensive, nonionizing, and noninvasive. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess ET in the diagnosis of internal derangements of the TMJ. The study population consisted of 11 patients with internal derangement, and 12 normal patients. ET was conducted with an infrared thermographic unit, at 1.0° and 0.5° C sensitivity. Results from subjective blinded interpretations by two experts for the diagnosis of internal derangement of the TMJ were as follows: sensitivity, 86% (± 7.8%); specificity, 78% (± 7.1%). Results from objective measurements of thermal symmetry of the TMJ region were as follows: normal subjects, 89.3% (± 3.0%); internal derangement patients, 66.1% (± 16.2%); t 21 = −4.89, p < 0.01. In conclusion, ET appears to have some promise as a diagnostic aid in the evaluation of internal derangement of the TMJ. Additional, more extensive studies are needed before thermographic diagnosis of internal derangement is accepted clinically.

Electronic thermography in the diagnosis of atypical odontalgia: A pilot study

Atypical odontalgia (AO) is a dental condition that is usually diagnosed by exclusion after failure of multiple dental treatments. A functional definition of AO includes (1) continuous pain in and about a tooth or teeth, (2) pain present for longer than 4 months, (3) inadequate local cause (no abnormality detected on dental radiographs), and (4) anesthetic blockade gives equivocal relief of toothache. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential role of electronic thermography in the diagnosis of AO. Results from measurements of facial thermal symmetry indicated that normal subjects = 83.5%, AO group = 65.8% ( p < 0.01). Electronic thermography interpreted by thermography experts has promise as a diagnostic test for AO among patients with toothache for which the dentist can find no convincing dental explanation.

Electronic thermography of normal facial structures: A pilot study

New electronic thermographic instruments capable of routine clinical examination need to be evaluated for their potential as a diagnostic aid in dentistry. This study assessed thermal symmetry of the face and neck in 20 normal subjects with the use of frontal and lateral views, at 1.0° C and 0.5° C sensitivity, under controlled conditions. Electronic thermographic images were analyzed for thermal symmetry, by means of a grid matching technique, in 12 anatomic regions and the overall face. Results indicated that thermal symmetry for the entire face was high (70.2%). The 12 specific facial areas demonstrated varying levels of thermal symmetry. Regions of high symmetry on frontal projections included the anterior portion of the neck (82.0%), the TMJ (80.0%), the lower lip (78.6%), and the upper lip (77.3%). The temporal region (46.7%) was found to be of relatively low thermal symmetry. Regions of high symmetry on lateral projections included the nasal region (69.5%) and the inframandibular region (67.0%). The posterior neck region (44.2%) was found to be of relatively low thermal symmetry. In general, normal subjects demonstrated high levels of thermal symmetry over most regions of the face. This pilot investigation is an early step in the evaluation of electronic thermography for future use in dentistry.

Are there objective criteria to follow up migrainous patients? A prospective study with thermography and evoked potentials.

SYNOPSISEight patients with common migraine (CM), 9 with classic migraine (CLM), 5 with cluster headache (CH), and 10 with muscle contraction headache (MCH) were evaluated, before and after treatment, using electronic thermography of face (T.T.) and visual evoked potentials (V.E.R).In the 10 MCH's the T.T. and V.E.P. findings were comparable to those obtained from ten control subjects.In the three remaining groups we obtained the following results: Before therapy eighteen out of the 22 vascular headache patients showed a positive “cold patch” in the external carotid territory, ipsilateral to the prevailing side of pain. After six months on therapy the “cold patch” had disappeared or was attenuated in all the patients, who concomitantly had clinical improvement.Ten out of the 22 patients (all CH's, 5 out of 9 CLM, no CM) presented in the baseline condition an asymmetry in V.E.P.s (hemifield stimulation). After six months the asymmetry persisted in only 4 patients.The evidence supports a valid temporal relationship between the clinical improvement and the modification in T.T. and V.E.P.s findings in CLM and CH. In CM there is a relationship between clinical course and T.T. but not V.E.P.s.

The thermographically observed effects of hyperoxia on vascular headache patients and non-headache individuals.

SYNOPSISThis study utilizes electronic thermography to investigate the response of 30 headache patients (migraine and mixed) and 20 non‐headache individuals to inhaling 100% oxygen at 10 liters per minute for 5 minutes. Observations were made prior to, immediately following, and at 3, 6 and 10 minutes post‐inhalation.Thermograms were inspected to determine the influence of hyperoxia on facial pattern temperatures across time. Chi‐square analysis determined that there was a significant difference (P&lt;.01) in response between the control group and headache patients immediately following inhalation. While the temperature of each control subject decreased, 14 (46.67%) patients displayed a 0.5 to 1.0°C paradoxical rise. There was no significant difference in response between the types of headache. Statistically significant difference in response continued during the post‐inhalation phase; at 10 minutes, 6 (20.00%) patients continued to display temperatures above baseline, The response to hyperoxia did not differ if the patient was experiencing a headache, nor did oxygen significantly reduce pain. No difference in response was noted in those patients who were prescribed beta or calcium channel block‐ere. Hyperoxia increased migraine “cold patch” size. Regardless of temperature fluctuations, facial patterns remained stable across conditions. A blind calling of pre‐ and post‐inhalation thermograms was 93% accurate.The response of the medial canthi did not significantly differ between conditions. Hyperoxia generally increased size, temperature and symmetry. During the post‐inhalation phase original patterns generally returned.This study supports previous headache/thermography findings and points to vascular dissimilarities between headache and non‐headache individuals.

Thermography in the detection of carpal tunnel syndrome and other compressive neuropathies

Studies were conducted using liquid crystal thermography (FlexiTherm) and electronic thermography for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Studies were also conducted to differentiate carpal tunnel syndrome from peripheral neurovascular injuries. Ninety patients were included in the study, with an average follow-up time of 24 months. Fifty patients also had electric studies for comparison and contrast. Thermal patterns of carpal tunnel syndrome showed a decreased vascular heat emission pattern over the median nerve distribution. The procedures using thermography consisted of imaging of the cervical spine, shoulders, forearms, and hands by Wexlerian guidelines to obtain diagnostic thermograms and a stress series. Results of the studies showed that thermographic studies were efficacious and sensitive for the differential diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome from other peripheral compressive neuropathies, including cervical radiculitis, thoracic outlet syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and Guyon's canal syndrome. Biomechanic and etiologic factors indict carpal tunnel syndrome to be an occupational disease. Thermographic technique use may lead to the early diagnosis, treatment, and preventative measures that could eliminate the high cost of manpower loss and of medical care often concomitant with carpal tunnel syndrome.

A Protocol for the Identification of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders by Standardized Computerized Electronic Thermography

A Protocol for the Identification of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders by Standardized Computerized Electronic Thermography

The validity of the vascular "cold patch" in the diagnosis of chronic headache.

SYNOPSIS“Cold patches” in the external carotid territory previously have been described to have been associatedwith vascular‐related headaches. This study utilizes electronic thermography to examine the relationship.A sample of 275 patients diagnosed as having: vascular, scalp muscle contraction, cluster, post‐traumaticor psychogenic headaches, as well as 45 headache‐free individuals, served as subjects. Each subject wasadministered electronic thermography to determine if “cold patches” were present in the external carotidterritory. A “cold patch” was defined as a region more than 0.5°C cooler than the surrounding area.Chi Square analysis determined that vascular headache patients displayed a significantly greater number(p&lt;.001) of “cold patches” than did normal individuals, or patients having scalp muscle contraction,psychogenic, or post‐traumatic type I headaches. Mixed headaches involving a vascular component alsodisplayed a significantly greater number (p&lt; .001) of “cold patches,” as did cluster disorders (p&lt;.001), andpost‐traumatic type III headaches (p&lt;.001).This evidence supports a valid relationship between "cold patches" and vascular‐related headaches. It issuggested that the vascular “cold patch” be included as part of the criteria in assessing headaches.