Thermographic and scintigraphic examination of the early phase of inflammatory disease.

Modern imaging techniques can be a valuable aid to the rheumatologist. Isotope scans, particularly technetium diphosphonate, can give very early localisation of inflammatory activity. Infra-red thermography can also provide early data, and is completely non-invasive. In drug assessment, thermography is particularly useful, quantifying the anti-inflammatory effects, which may be more rapid in the small joints and slower in joints such as the knee. Given that many anti-inflammatory drugs are analgesic at a low dose yet may improve subjective function e.g. grip test, there is a definite role for objective measurement of true anti-inflammatory effects. The methodology is now well proven and easily used in clinical practice.