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Thermography and the sensory dermatome
Skeletal Radiology
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Thermographic imaging is not a viable method for assessing sympathetic nerve function in relation to dermatomes. This study found thermography unsuitable for diagnosing painful neck, back, or limb conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroanatomy
- Physiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Sympathetic nervous system outflow to limbs is crucial for regulating physiological functions.
- Understanding the correlation between neuroanatomy and somatic sensory dermatomes is essential for diagnosing neurological conditions.
- Recent literature on sympathetic outflow and dermatomes requires synthesis and clinical correlation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and correlate the neuroanatomic and physiologic aspects of sympathetic outflow to the limbs with somatic sensory dermatomes.
- To evaluate the clinical utility of thermographic imaging in assessing nerve root lesions and painful conditions.
Main Methods:
- A review of recent scientific literature.
- Thermographic imaging using a thermocouple thermometer was performed on 30 healthy individuals and 87 patients with confirmed nerve root lesions.
Main Results:
- Thermographic imaging of sensory dermatomes was found to be not plausible.
- Thermography is not recommended for the clinical documentation of painful conditions affecting the neck, back, or limbs.
Conclusions:
- The study concludes that thermographic imaging lacks the necessary plausibility for clinical application in assessing dermatomes.
- Thermography is deemed unsuitable for diagnosing and documenting painful neurological conditions in the neck, back, and limbs.
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