Use of Body Surface Heat Patterns for Predicting and Evaluating Acute Lower Extremity Pain Among Soldiers.

摘要

This project intends to (1) Develop predictive methodologies for relating heat patterns observed in the lower limbs of trainees just inducted into the Army to pain syndromes developed during training and (2) Compare the effectiveness of three methods of recording heat patterns in the lower limbs in relating the patterns to pain states. Videothermographs are used to record-lower extremity heat patterns of new trainees are recorded while at Ft. Sill's induction station. A second set of recordings are made when the soldiers come to the TMCs for either lower extremity pain or unrelated problems (controls). The patterns are compared with results of standard diagnostic tests and exams. Lower extremity heat patterns from pain patients at FAMC and Ft. Sill which are produced by very accurate but relatively complex and expensive videothermographs are compared with those produced by inexpensive, field useable contact thermographs and electronic thermometers. During the seven months this project has been in progress we have demonstrated that recruits arriving at their basic training sites have an unexpectedly high rate of abnormal thermograms. We have also that contact thermographs have so many problems visualizing common problem areas that they can not be substituted for videothermographs. If, however, a suitable grid system can be developed, single point infrared thermometers would be able to be substituted and are very appropriate for use in the field environment. Video thermography; Stress fractures; Soldiers; Pain; MIPR; RAII.