Article

Sensory examination based on the patient's subjective assessment of symptoms may raise difficult questions about whether the individuals expressed complaint is based on organic nerve damage, psychogenic factors, or even malingering. A prototype computerized telethermograph has allowed clinical quantification of peripheral nerve injury. The system makes possible mapping and imaging of the damaged area, as well as skin temperature measurements. In normal persons, the skin temperature difference between sides of the body was only 0.24° +/- 0.073°C. In contrast, in patients with peripheral nerve injury, the temperature of the skin innervated by the damaged nerve deviated an average of 1.55°C (p <0.001). The new technique requires further refinement but it appears that use of this method may be cost-effective in helping to resolve medicolegal conflicts concerning peripheral nerve injury.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Identifiant basis : 1985001998