Stimulated infrared thermography applied to differentiate scar tissue from peri-scar tissue: a preliminary study

In Vivo Imaging Techniques for the Human Scalp: A Systematic Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

Scalp inflammation and alopecia are distressing conditions for which patients regularly present to dermatology. Although some diagnoses can be made clinically, others require biopsy, which carries the risk of pain, infection, bleeding, and scarring. This review examines the existing literature regarding noninvasive in vivo imaging techniques and their evidence and utility in evaluating scalp pathology, with a focus on the diagnostics of hair conditions.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines without timeframe restrictions. The PubMed and Clarivate (Web of Science) databases were searched using the terms ("imaging" OR "in-vivo imaging" OR "non-invasive imaging" OR "non-invasive in vivo imaging" "imaging," "in-vivo imaging) AND ("human scalp disorders" OR "scalp" OR "hair loss" OR "alopecia"). Peer-reviewed randomized control trials (RCTs), prospective studies, retrospective studies, and case series or reports discussing in vivo imaging of the scalp published before 2022 were selected.

RESULTS

Forty-two studies were included and discussed; modalities included laser devices (n = 27), ultrasound (US) (n = 13), infrared thermography (n = 1), skin capacitance imaging (SCI), and ultraviolet light-enhanced visualization (ULEV) (n = 1). The most common laser devices used were reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), multiphoton microscopy (MPM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). US techniques included high-frequency US (HFUS) and US biomicroscopy (UBM).

CONCLUSION

Quality imaging of the scalp in the setting of alopecic, neoplastic, and inflammatory diseases is highly sought after. Many of these noninvasive imaging techniques show promise, each with individual advantages and disadvantages in imaging-specific conditions. Ultimately, noninvasive imaging techniques may be used to optimize patient management and minimize morbidity associated with scalp biopsies.

Post-operative osteopathic manipulative treatment of Morel-Lavallee syndrome assessed using infrared thermal imaging: A case report

INTRODUCTION

The Morel-Lavallee lesion (MLL) is a closed, degloving soft-tissue injury, wherein the skin and subcutaneous tissue are separated from the underlying fascia. This syndrome causes disruption of wound healing. Infrared thermography is a noninvasive and pain-free tool that can be used to evaluate scar and the influence of osteopathic manipulative treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of post-operative osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) of Morel-Lavallee lesions (MLL).

METHODS

During four osteopathic sessions on one volunteer patient, 28-year-old male, resulting in MLL of the left knee after motorcycle accident. The effects of OMT were assessed using an infrared thermal imaging camera and qualitative palpation examination of osteopathic dysfunction, scored on a scale of 1-4.

RESULTS

and discussion: Both scar and peri-scar area temperatures increased after OMT. The difference in temperature between the scar and the peri-scar area decreased after OMT. Increase in temperature was greater when the OMT was applied around the scar than when applied at a distance from the scar site. The palpation score for dysfunction of the MLL scar site decreased from 4/4 to 2/4 after the final session.

CONCLUSION

Several OMT sessions focusing on the MLL scar site appear necessary to obtain noteworthy results. OMT improved mobility and increased the temperature of the scar and the peri-scar area.

Effect of transcutaneous neuromodulation on normalization of dermal body temperature and pain in a tender scar in the presence of low back pain: An update and case report

Low back pain affects over 20% of individuals during their lifetime, and in some patients, it may be associated with scar tissue formation after surgery. Small-fiber neuropathy and scar tissue dysfunction can lead to localized pain by affecting signals to the thalamus. Transcutaneous neuromodulation using Tape with Magnetic Particles shows promise in relieving perceived pain, modulating vascularization and the autonomic nervous system, and reducing dermal temperature. In the present case, a 24-year-old woman with L5-S1 disk herniation experienced low back pain and leg pressure. The surgical intervention provided temporary relief, but scar restrictions caused pain recurrence. Tape with Magnetic Particles application initially induced scar hypothermia and pressure tolerance during posteroanterior tests on lumbar spinous processes increased, reducing pain perception for at least 12 h. Transcutaneous neuromodulation with Tape with Magnetic Particles modulated dermal temperature immediately and for 12 h, reducing perceived pain and sustaining improvement thereafter. This highlights the potential of Tape with Magnetic Particles in managing chronic low back pain associated with scar tissue.

Effect of osteopathic treatment on a scar assessed by thermal infrared camera, pilot study

BACKGROUND

Scar formation is influenced by mechanical forces and may generate mechanical tension. Scars induce a temperature difference in the body objectified by thermal imaging camera. The osteopath's task is to ensure the tissue good mobility in the body. The aim of this study was to measure the influence of osteopathic treatment on a scar by thermal camera.

METHOD

12 subjects were analyzed: 4 scars by wounds and 8 by operations. A thermal camera was used to measure the temperature variations of the scars and peri-scar area after cooled stimulation. Measurements were made before and after osteopathic treatment.

RESULTS/FINDINGS

A significant difference was found between the scar and the peri-scar area before osteopathic treatment (p = 0.044) and no significant difference after osteopathic treatment (p = 0.069). Results showed that osteopathic treatment on a scar induces a more homogeneous local warming temperature.

CONCLUSION

The osteopathic treatment allows different warming between scar and peri-scar area; this suggests a modification of the connective tissue function after osteopathic treatment. Further studies are required to better understand the function of connective tissue and the mechanism of healing.