Actively Recruiting
High Resolution Thermographic Imaging as a Diagnostic Aid in Paediatric Infections of Bones, Joints, and Soft Tissues
Led by Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust · Updated on 2026-02-04
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are exploring the use of High Resolution Infrared Thermographic Imaging (HRTI) to help detect infections in bones, joints, and soft tissues in children. This pilot study aims to determine whether HRTI, which captures temperature patterns using a sensitive thermal camera, can assist in identifying musculoskeletal infections more quickly and cost-effectively. Infections like osteomyelitis and septic arthritis can cause serious complications in children, and current imaging methods like MRI are costly and require sedation. Participants with suspected bone, joint, or soft tissue infections will be split into two groups based on their condition. Those with septic arthritis will have thermal images taken during surgery under general anesthesia, while those with non-emergency infections will have imaging done just before an MRI scan. The study uses a 10-second thermal video to dynamically monitor the affected area, and this data will be processed and analyzed to evaluate the presence of infection. During the study, participants will have their thermal profiles recorded and compared between infected and unaffected areas. Blood tests including ESR, CRP, and white blood cell count will be collected on admission. Participation will not affect the routine medical care they receive. The study involves 30 children up to 15 years old and includes monitoring of infection markers to assess the diagnostic value of HRTI. The total study duration lasts from admission until these assessments are completed.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Infrared Thermography for Diagnosis of Musculoskeletal Infections
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Children and young people from neonates to 15 years of age
- Clinical suspicion of a primary musculoskeletal infection based on symptoms, examination, and blood tests
- Presenting to Sheffield Children's Hospital via emergency or referral
- Ability to understand study information in English or have a legal guardian who can consent
- Medical doctor agrees that participation will not affect treatment outcome
You will not qualify if you...
- Have a secondary musculoskeletal infection
- Severely ill or requiring urgent critical care
- Conditions affecting body temperature such as leukemia, thyroid disorders, or diabetes
- Amputees with the amputated limb opposite to the suspected infection site
- Already diagnosed or investigated for the current suspected infection
- Concerns from medical team that imaging could affect treatment
- Patient or guardian unable or unwilling to consent or understand study information
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - Day 1
Participants undergo High Resolution Thermal Imaging using a specialized camera prior to surgery or MRI scan to capture images of the infected area.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Sheffield Children's NHS Foundatin Trust
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom, S10 2TH
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sanjeev Madan
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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