Diabetic foot ulcer mobile detection system using smart phone thermal camera: a feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Diabetes Management

Background:

• Diabetes poses a significant global health challenge, with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) being a common and serious complication.
• Early detection of DFUs is crucial to prevent severe outcomes, including amputation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a mobile thermal imaging system for the early detection of potential diabetic foot ulcers.
• To create an accessible tool for diabetic patients to monitor foot health.

Main Methods:

• A thermal camera integrated with a smartphone acquired foot images.
• Image processing techniques, including Otsu thresholding and Point-to-Point mean difference, were used for analysis.
• A simulated temperature gradient exceeding 2.2°C was employed to represent ulcer indicators.

Main Results:

• The system successfully identified localized temperature increases indicative of potential ulcers in simulated tests.
• Automated analysis of thermal images was achieved using MATLAB Mobile platform.
• The system demonstrated effectiveness in pinpointing temperature variations on the feet.

Conclusions:

• A feasible mobile thermal imaging system for automated DFU detection was successfully implemented.
• The system offers potential for frequent self-monitoring by diabetic patients.
• Further development and clinical validation are recommended for real-world application.