Thermography: a reevaluation.

This is a brief review of the physical and physiologic aspects and theories of thermography and its clinical use in musculoskeletal conditions. Thermography is a simple, non-invasive procedure with a potential for usefulness. However, the majority of clinical studies to date have not been performed independent of other examinations with controlled verification, nor are there standards of normal available for comparison. Thermography should not be offered to the public as a confirmed and reliable tool for the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal problems. It is still experimental, and its clinical use cannot be justified until appropriate data support it.