Information Statement

Thermography

This Information Statement was developed as an educational tool based on the opinion of the authors. It is not a product of a systematic review. Readers are encouraged to consider the information presented and reach their own conclusions.

Thermography is a technique to measure skin temperature changes. It has been proposed that these changes can be attributed to specific musculoskeletal and neural injuries or disease states. Thermography has been advocated as a diagnostic screening and monitoring tool.

While much has been published both for and against the use of thermography, a review of the literature indicates a lack of specificity, reliability, and reproducibility for this technique in the diagnosis of specific musculoskeletal conditions and neural injuries or disease states.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) believes that the use of thermography as a clinically useful diagnostic or prognostic test in orthopaedic surgery cannot at this time be scientifically justified.

© July 1991. Revised March 2005 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

This material may not be modified without the express written permission of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons^®.

Information Statement 1009

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