Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 21, 2025
Quantitative Visualization and Detection of Skin Cancer Using Dynamic Thermal Imaging
Published on: May 5, 2011
Infrared thermal imaging as a screening tool for paediatric wrist fractures
Charlotte Reed1, Reza Saatchi2, Derek Burke3,4
1University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
Insights
Thermal imaging may help differentiate pediatric wrist fractures from sprains by detecting temperature differences. This non-ionizing method could reduce unnecessary X-rays in children with wrist injuries.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Paediatric Orthopaedics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Wrist injuries are frequent in pediatric trauma.
- X-rays are commonly used but often negative in children with wrist injuries.
- Non-ionizing imaging methods are sought to reduce radiation exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of thermal imaging in detecting and differentiating pediatric wrist fractures and sprains.
- To assess the impact of wrist position on thermal imaging findings.
Main Methods:
- 105 children with wrist injuries were recruited.
- Thermal videos of injured and uninjured wrists were captured in flat and elevated positions.
- Regions of interest were analyzed for temperature differences.
Main Results:
- Fractures and sprains showed increased skin surface temperature compared to uninjured wrists.
- A statistically significant temperature difference was observed between flat and elevated positions for fractures.
- Thermal imaging data may aid in distinguishing between wrist fractures and sprains.
Conclusions:
- Thermal imaging shows potential as a non-ionizing tool for screening pediatric wrist injuries.
- Temperature variations detected by thermal imaging can help differentiate fractures from sprains.
- Further research could validate thermal imaging for reducing negative X-ray rates in pediatric wrist trauma.
Abstract:
Wrist injuries are common in paediatric trauma; however, only half of children evaluated with an x-ray for possible fractures will have one. Thermal imaging offers a possible non-ionising method of screening for fractures and thus reducing negative x-ray rates. One hundred five children attending the Emergency Department for wrist injuries were recruited. Two 30-s thermal videos were recorded from injured and uninjured wrists-in flat and 45° elevated positions. A region of interest (ROI) was defined on each wrist. Cases in which the ROI was covered or had ice applied were excluded, leaving 40 patients for analysis. Comparisons of ROI included (i) injured and uninjured wrists-flat and elevated positions; (ii) as in (i) with a reference region on the proximal forearm subtracted; (iii) injured wrist ROI-flat and elevated positions. Fractures and sprains increased the mean skin surface temperature by 1.519% (p = 0.008) and 0.971% (p = 0.055) respectively compared with the uninjured wrist. The mean temperature difference between flat and elevated positions for fractures was 0.268% and - 0.1291% for sprains. This difference was statistically significant for fracture (p = 0.004) but not sprain (p = 0.500). The temperature differences recorded by thermal imaging between fractured and sprained wrists may assist in differentiation of these injuries. Graphical abstract Operational stages involved from thermal video recording to generation of results.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...