Thermal scans used to spot osteoarthritis

Thermal scanners give an earlier and more conclusive confirmation of osteoarthritis in human hands, researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found.

Thermal scanners give an earlier and more conclusive confirmation of osteoarthritis in human hands, researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found.Designed originally to scan computer circuit boards for defects, the scanner is sensitive enough to detect differences of 0.1 degree Fahrenheit, which is a significant indicator of early osteoarthritis in hands, the researchers said.In contrast, X-rays of fingers at this early stage of the disease produce inconclusive findings, said Dr. Virginia Kraus, a rheumatologist and associate professor of medicine at Duke.The temperature scans also showed as osteoarthritis symptoms increase in severity, joints tend to cool.”As we learn more about early stages of the disease, I think we’ll be able to intervene earlier, when there will be more chance of making a difference,” Kraus said.The Duke study examined 91 people with clinical hand osteoarthritis in both hands and a minimum of three joints with bony enlargements. The majority were women — 80.2 percent –and 86 out of 91 were right-handed.(Source: United Press, Rheumatology, July 2004)