Contact thermography of spinal root compression syndromes.

A thermographic technique is described that uses cholesteric liquid crystals that change color in response to variations in surface temperature. The crystals are embedded in elastic flexible sheets that conform to the contours of the torso and extremities. The technique is well suited to temperature measurement of individual skin dermatomes and myotomes. Typical heat patterns emanating from the torso and extremities have been observed and correlated with root compression syndromes at low cervical and low lumbosacral levels. The imaging results correlate well with clinical and surgical findings, particularly when the extremity dermatomes are included. The technique objectively documents the subjective complaint of pain and approaches myelography in accuracy. It was in agreement with myelography in 86% of cases and with surgery in 95% of cases. Liquid crystal thermography may, therefore, effectively screen patients of myelography and can complement it in identifying clinically significant abnormalities.