A pilot prospective study of forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera measurements to predict postoperative wound complications in high-energy lower extremity fractures.

PURPOSE: To prospectively determine if forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera temperature measurements can predict postoperative wound complications in high-energy lower extremity fractures.

METHODS

This is a prospective cohort study from a single level 1 trauma centre. Adult patients who sustained unilateral high-energy lower extremity fractures (tibial plateau, tibial plafond, trimalleolar ankle, midfoot, or calcaneus fractures) were included in the study. Preoperative and post-induction FLIR thermographic measurements were taken using the FLIRONE ® PRO camera system. The main outcome of interest was the development of any wound related postoperative complication.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were included in the study. A majority of the patients were male (58%) with a mean age of 44.2 years. FLIR imaging detected temperature differences between the operative extremity and the contralateral extremity, both in the preoperative area and following induction (Pre-op: 33.0 vs 30.8, p < 0.001; Post-induction: 29.6 vs 28.5, p = 0.046). Overall, 11 (23.9%) patients experienced a wound complication. Regression analysis did not demonstrate a significant association between preoperative or post-induction FLIR measurements and the development of wound complications.

CONCLUSION

While FLIR imaging could detect temperature changes related to traumatic injury, these differences did not correlate with postoperative outcomes. Further large-scale study may be warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.