Question: How is a Thermal Imaging Camera Used to Detect Arthritis?
- What is the technology behind thermal imaging cameras?
- How do thermal imaging cameras help diagnose arthritic joints?
- How commonly is a thermal imaging camera used as a diagnostic technique?
Answer:
Early Diagnosis of Arthritis Is Important
Early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis, helps prevent:
As a result, doctors do their best to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis before joint damage occurs. A history of joint pain and swelling, as well as prolonged morning stiffness (i.e., greater than 30 minutes), coupled with a physical examination is the easiest and most cost effective way to do so. Laboratory tests such as an elevated sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein help confirm a clinical suspicion of an inflammatory arthritis.
Thermal Imaging Camera Is a New Diagnostic Tool
Imaging is also being used to help diagnose early arthritis. Common examples include MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and ultrasound; thermal imaging is now being introduced. A thermal imaging camera is used to measure the pattern of the skin's temperature. Arthritis patients have increased temperature around the joint. A thermal imaging camera to detect this abnormality may help the doctor in the diagnosis of arthritis.
The use of this camera or any other type of imaging other than conventional radiographs (x-rays) is not the standard of care at this time.
If these imaging methods are to be used more frequently in the future, controlled clinical trials would need to show that the new information changes the clinical outcome compared to the way patients are currently diagnosed using:
- medical history
- physical examination
- laboratory tests
- x-rays
Answers provided by Scott J. Zashin, M.D., clinical assistant professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Division of Rheumatology, in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Zashin is also an attending physician at Presbyterian Hospitals of Dallas and Plano. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology and a member of the American Medical Association. Dr. Zashin is author of Arthritis Without Pain - The Miracle Of TNF Blockers. The book is useful for anyone on one of the biologic drugs (Enbrel, Remicade, Humira) or considering the biologic drugs. Read my review of the book and also visit Dr. Zashin's website.