Thermal changes and clinical outcomes following distal radius fractures: A study on heat production

Bone fractures and surgical trauma induce inflammation that causes swelling, pain, and heat production.

To investigated the relationship between heat production and clinical outcomes following surgical treatment of distal radius fractures.

Prospective observational study (cohort study).

Ninety-nine patients who underwent volar locking plate fixation for distal radius fractures were enrolled, with 89 meeting the inclusion criteria. Heat production, defined as the difference in skin surface temperature between the affected and unaffected wrists, was measured using a non-contact infrared thermometer. Heat production, swelling and pain was measured on the day after surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, grip strength, wrist motion, and forearm motion were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively.

The skin surface temperature difference was at its maximum on the day after surgery and significantly decreased at 6 weeks postoperatively. Univariate analysis revealed correlations between the skin surface temperature difference and grip strength at 3 weeks, as well as the wrist motion at 6 weeks. Multivariate analysis indicated that the skin surface temperature difference at 3 weeks predicted grip strength at 6 and 12 weeks. Additionally, the skin surface temperature difference correlated with swelling and pain on the day after surgery, and with swelling at 1 week.

The skin surface temperature difference is a useful early indicator of hand function recovery after distal radius fracture surgery. This study highlights the potential of thermographic examination to monitor early postoperative inflammation and predict functional outcomes in patients undergoing surgical treatment for distal radius fractures.