A preliminary investigation in the use of infrared thermography to track post amputation residual limb healing

Abstract

Background: This dissertation is a combination of both a literature review and an experimental project that explores the field of wound healing, wound complications and the use of infrared thermography in wound healing. This study suggests an idea of creating an assessment calibration device for residual limbs (focusing on Trans-Tibial) that aid taking thermal images at the same angles repetitively using a fixed setup to better assess the wounds. Aim: The aim of this dissertation is to standardize a method for wound healing assessment and understand wound healing process. Objective: Is to create a calibration station and test it by taking thermal images repetitively respecting the residual limb alignment every time and test out the efficiency and reliability of the results using a silicon dummy of a residual limb. Is it possible to ensure that images taken under different environments have the same alignment? What is wound healing and how is it currently measured? Methodology: For the literature review certain search concepts have been developed and used to search on three different databases namely, SCOPUS, OVID, CINAHL. For the experimental part a sketch of an imaginary device was drawn then developed into a prototype which later on developed into the final prototype used in the experiments. Experiments carried out in different environments by different people using a silicone Trans-Tibial mannequin. Results: Literature showed that different factors such as hypothermia, might affect the residual limb temperature. While results from the experiment showed that a standardization of Infrared Thermography is possible and can be of great advantage in monitoring wound healing. Discussion: Based on the literature review results wound healing is one of the most important factors when it comes to rehabilitation and prosthetic fitting. Temperature could be associated as an important factor in the healing of the residual limb while body temperature between 36⁰ C and 37⁰ C is considered crucial for good healing. Standardisation of imaging methods is a challenge in current practice since there is no landmarks and guidelines to follow that help the practitioner make sure of the image angles and lighting ensuring accuracy. To validate results further research and human trials need to be taken.