Infrared thermal imaging for bone fracture identification and monitoring of fracture healing: A review of the latest developments

Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-destructive imaging technology which detects thermal energy emitted from objects and converts it into numeric and visual data. IRT has been receiving increasing interest by clinicians as a non-invasive and safe tool for medical diagnosis and monitoring. Studies have reported the potential of IRT for physiological measurements, medical diagnosis and monitoring. In this paper, developments in the applications of IRT for bone fracture identification and the monitoring of fracture healing are reviewed. A significant proportion of x-rays taken to diagnose bone fracture are negative, i.e. reveal that there is no underlying fracture. IRT may have potential as a screening tool to filter out these negative cases where the injury has not resulted in fracture. Exclusion of cases without an underlying fracture would reduce the cost and exposure to harmful radiation associated with unnecessary x-ray imaging. In infants and young children, who may not be able to accurately report the site of injury, IRT may assist in locating possible injury sites, thus facilitating more timely treatment. This feature could also be valuable in child abuse cases with possible bone fracture. Some fractures, such as toddlers fracture, may not be visible on an initial x-ray examination and repeat x-ray imaging is required around two weeks later to confirm diagnosis. IRT may be able to assist clinicians in the initial assessment of such fractures, enabling a more timely diagnosis.