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Differences between trunk heat patterns shown by complete and incomplete spinal cord injured veterans
R A Sherman1, J L Ernst, J Markowski
1Department of Clinical Investigation, DD Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, Georgia.
Paraplegia
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Thermography can identify spinal cord injuries (SCI). Complete SCI subjects showed a distinct thermal demarcation line, unlike intact or incomplete SCI individuals, aiding in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI) significantly impact sensory and motor functions.
- Accurate diagnosis of SCI severity is crucial for treatment and rehabilitation.
- Objective diagnostic tools are needed to complement clinical assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of thermography in differentiating between intact, incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), and complete SCI.
- To identify thermal patterns associated with different SCI severities.
Main Methods:
- Infrared thermography was used to capture heat patterns on the trunk of subjects.
- Subjects included intact individuals, those with incomplete SCI, and those with complete SCI.
- Thermal demarcation lines and transition zones were analyzed and correlated with sensory deficits.
Main Results:
- A distinct thermal demarcation line was observed in 14 out of 15 complete SCI subjects.
- This line represented a 1-2.5°C temperature gradient between normal and impaired sensation areas.
- Intact and incomplete SCI subjects generally lacked this distinct thermal transition zone.
Conclusions:
- Thermography can serve as a valuable, non-invasive tool for distinguishing complete SCI from incomplete SCI and intact states.
- The presence and characteristics of a thermal demarcation line correlate with the severity and abruptness of sensory loss in SCI.
- Further research can explore thermography's role in SCI diagnostics and monitoring recovery.