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Intra-articular temperature measurements after superficial heating
A Weinberger1, R Fadilah, A Lev
1Department of Internal Medicine D, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Superficial joint heating, often used for rheumatic conditions, actually increases intra-articular temperature. This temperature rise may worsen inflammatory joint diseases, suggesting careful reconsideration of hot pack use.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Therapeutic Modalities
Background:
- Superficial heating is a common treatment for rheumatic conditions.
- It is generally believed to decrease intra-articular joint temperature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of superficial heating on intra-articular temperature in joints.
- To evaluate the implications of superficial heating for inflammatory joint diseases.
Main Methods:
- A hot pack was applied to one knee joint.
- Articular temperature was measured in the heated joint.
- Intra-cavity temperature of the contralateral unheated joint was measured as a control.
Main Results:
- Superficial heating significantly increased the articular temperature of the heated knee joint (35.2 ± 1.5°C to 36.4 ± 1.0°C).
- The temperature increase was statistically significant (p < 0.001).
- No significant temperature change was observed in the contralateral unheated joint.
Conclusions:
- Superficial heating elevates intra-articular joint temperature.
- This temperature increase may exacerbate inflammatory processes in acute and chronic inflammatory joint diseases.
- The use of superficial heating requires careful reconsideration for inflammatory joint conditions.