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Thermal symmetry of healthy feet: a precursor to a thermal study of diabetic feet prior to skin breakdown

Lookup NU author(s): Audrey Macdonald, Professor John AllenORCiD

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Abstract

Early identification of areas of inflammation may aid prevention of diabetic foot ulcers. A new bespoke thermal camera system has been developed to thermally image feet at risk. Hotspots (areas at least 2.2 degrees C hotter than the contralateral site) may indicate areas of inflammation prior to any apparent visual signs. This article describes the thermal pattern and symmetry of 103 healthy pairs of feet. 68% of participants were thermally symmetric at the 33 foot sites measured. 32% of participants had at least one hotspot, but hotspots overall only accounted for 5% of the measurements made. Refinements to the definition of hotspots are proposed when considering feet at risk of ulceration.

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Author(s): Macdonald A, Petrova N, Ainarkar S, Allen J, Plassmann P, Whittam A, Bevans J, Ring F, Kluwe B, Simpson R, Rogers L, Machin G, Edmonds M

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Physiological Measurement

Year: 2017

Volume: 38

Issue: 1

Pages: 33-44

Print publication date: 01/01/2017

Online publication date: 12/12/2016

Acceptance date: 19/10/2016

ISSN (print): 0967-3334

ISSN (electronic): 1361-6579

Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing Ltd.

DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/38/1/33

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