Visualisation of ankle injury using a thermal imaging camera

Purpose: This paper is dedicated to the study of the impact of multiple ankle injuries on blood flow in the lower limb. Design/methodology/approach: The study was performed using a thermal imaging camera which by differentiating temperature between the uninjured and injured leg enabled checking and comparing blood flow between both limbs. Findings: The patient subjected to the examination had suffered multiple ankle injuries. The images were taken before and after rehabilitation procedures so as to compare the temperature. Research limitations/implications: By using thermal imaging, the temperature differences within structures can be observed, which in turn attests to limited blood flow. Improper trophic might have had an influence on a slow recovery process. Practical implications: Analysis of image taken using a thermal imaging camera facilitates localizing damaged structures and planning the treatment process that aims at normalizing temperature differences between limbs. Moreover, the analysis of further images, taken during the treatment process enables us to evaluate the effectiveness of the selected method of treatment and to change the method if needed. The evaluation is entirely objective and it enables eliminating reliance on patient’s feedback, which is often subjective and unreliable. Originality/value: The study shows possibility of usage thermal imaging camera in traumatology.