New possibilities of graphics software in the analysis of thermograms of patient’s lower limbs – a technical note

Abstract

Abstract The analysis involved thermograms of the lower limbs of a patient suffering from symptomatic L-S segment discopathy with spinal root compression syndrome (symptomatic lumbar discopathy) qualified for surgical treatment. The thermograms were obtained using the Flir Ebx 50 camera. They were developed with the use of the software included with the Flir Ebx 50 camera, as well as the Origin Pro 2020 data analysis and graphing software. ROIs (Regions of Interest) were specified and analyzed in terms of temperature (average, maximum or minimum) temperature distributions, isotherms, and specified surface areas limited by selected isotherms. According to the analysis of the thermograms, the images obtained with Origin Pro 2020 enable a more advanced presentation of the temperature distribution, by taking into account the isotherms with selected temperatures and by calculating the area limited by a given isotherm (or between two isotherms) they allow to introduce an additional surface parameter related to specific isotherms. It provides additional information (parameter) in comparison with analogous ROIs on healthy and pathologic limbs in the same patient.