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collecting data that clearly indicates that the migratory pattern
of CRPS can be documented as much as six to nine months
prior to the occurrence of symptomatology in a limb that has
been affected with sympathetically-mediated dysfunction, but
has not yet become symptomatic at the time the images were
performed. It is fascinating to see patients who offer verbal
complaints (in completed schematic diagram) about one limb,
yet manifest thermal abnormalities in an entirely separate area.
(See attached images).
In addition to the benefits in diagnosing sympathetically
mediated pain syndromes, new thermographic cameras have the
potential to offer real-time imaging capabilities that could allow
monitoring of an affected limb during the surgical implantation
of a spinal cord stimulator. By stimulating the affected nerve
(thereby causing a “warming” of the damaged limb), the surgeon
could place the leads accurately and “know” they were in
the exact place to afford the individual the maximum benefit
to be derived from such implantation. This would reduce the
randomization factor currently in place by allowing for an
electronic “road map” which otherwise does not exist. Similar
use of thermal imaging for surgical or chemical ablations of
sympathetic nerve dysfunction is possible.
In conclusion, thermographic (infrared) imaging appears to
be the best, if not only diagnostic tool, that should be utilized
by the clinician for objectification of a
clinical diagnosis of sympathetically
mediated pain syndromes. The overused
adage, “A picture is worth 1000
words” is particularly applicable here,
not only to assist the clinician in making
the diagnosis, but to add verification
to the patients’ symptoms,
particularly in instances where they have
been led to believe they are “crazy”
because conventional diagnostic testing
does not offer objective evidence of
their symptom complex.
Research on thermographic imaging
is on-going, but as a diagnostic tool,
much of its potential remains untapped.
The number of people who have benefited
from the conclusive diagnosis of
CRPS by thermographic means continues
to grow, thereby allowing clinicians
an opportunity for earlier intervention
of treatment to an affected body part.
PHILIP GETSON, DO, has
been certified by the American
Academy of Thermology,
the American Herschel
Society, the Academy of
Neuromuscular Thermology
and is a Diplomate of the
American Medical Infrared
Association. He has lectured
extensively in the field of
Thermography especially as
to its usage in the diagnosis
of R.S.D. He is currently
working on three separate
papers on the subject.
Available for Purchase
Thriving Pain Clinic
Convenient Downtown Chicago Location
Adjacent to Northwestern Hospital
State-of-the-art surgical facility,
best equipment
Bilingual staff, expert training
Extensive patient list
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