Thermographic Patterns of the Upper and Lower Limbs: Baseline Data

Abstract

Objectives. To collect normative baseline data and identify any significant differences between hand and foot thermographic distribution patterns in a healthy adult population. Design. A single-centre, randomized, prospective study. Methods. Thermographic data was acquired using a FLIR camera for the data acquisition of both plantar and dorsal aspects of the feet, volar aspects of the hands, and anterior aspects of the lower limbs under controlled climate conditions. Results. There is general symmetry in skin temperature between the same regions in contralateral limbs, in terms of both magnitude and pattern. There was also minimal intersubject temperature variation with a consistent temperature pattern in toes and fingers. The thumb is the warmest digit with the temperature falling gradually between the 2nd and the 5th fingers. The big toe and the 5th toe are the warmest digits with the 2nd to the 4th toes being cooler. Conclusion. Measurement of skin temperature of the limbs using a thermal camera is feasible and reproducible. Temperature patterns in fingers and toes are consistent with similar temperatures in contralateral limbs in healthy subjects. This study provides the basis for further research to assess the clinical usefulness of thermography in the diagnosis of vascular insufficiency.

The identification of higher forefoot temperatures associated with peripheral arterial disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus as detected by thermography

“…In normal healthy feet, temperature patterns are symmetrical in both feet. This has recently been confirmed by Gatt et al who reported the thermographic patterns of hands and feet of healthy adults [20]. The implication is that asymmetry of temperature patterns between the feet may indicate the presence of pathology [16], which is also a logical conclusion from the findings of Gatt et al, who have demonstrated symmetry in the healthy adult.…”

“…This suggests that thermography may prove useful both as a research and clinical tool in distinguishing between diabetics with and without peripheral arterial disease. Baseline thermal patterns of the hands and feet have already been reported [20]. The next logical step would be to establish thermographic data for the various categories of diabetic feet (normal, ischaemic, neuropathic, neurosichaemic) to allow comparison with normative data.…”

“…The protocol for obtaining thermal images followed the recommendations of the American Academy of Thermology [10]. The camera was placed on a tripod 1.5m from the subject, and perpendicular to the body part that was being photographed [20]. Images of the plantar aspect of the feet and palms of the hands were recorded for later analysis.…”

Stimulated infrared thermography applied to differentiate scar tissue from peri-scar tissue: a preliminary study

“…[5][6][7][8] These values are significant and greater than the threshold value of 0.5 C given by the literature and could be considered as suspect in pathologies affecting corresponding body regions. [50][51][52] In this study, the temperature differences observed between the scar and the peri-scar area are above this value. Finally, this experiment shows that the temperature difference is neither related to the type nor to the age of the scar.…”

Determination of Localized Skin Temperature of the Transtibial Residual Limb

“…The lowest temperature was recorded at the distal part of the anteromedial (Z3) location of TRL. Contrary to the intact limb [23], the locations of the highest and lowest temperature sites over the TRL are close probably due to shortened length of the limb (decreased surface area) and compromised muscular and vascular tissues after amputation. Previous research with small sample sizes and diverse study designs on TRL skin temperature is con icting.…”