What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to develop a standardized protocol using infrared thermography to detect joint inflammation and expedite rheumatology referrals.

May 16, 2026JCR Journal of Clinical Rheumatology

Developing and Piloting a Standardized Thermography Protocol to Expedite Rheumatology Referrals for Possible Inflammatory Arthritis

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The aim is to develop a standardized protocol using infrared thermography to detect joint inflammation and expedite rheumatology referrals.
Participants included individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and controls undergoing infrared thermography and power doppler ultrasound.
Joint temperatures were analyzed using specialized software and compared to gold standard measurements from power doppler ultrasound.
Participants with joint pain exceeding temperature cutoff points were fast-tracked for rheumatology consultation.
Of the 20 pilot participants, 10 (50%) were referred to rheumatology based on infrared thermography results.
Within 4 weeks, 8 (80%) of the referred individuals were seen by a rheumatologist.
Cutoff temperatures at MCP and wrist joints successfully distinguished between inflamed and noninflamed joints.

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Implication

Randomized trial demonstrates the potential of thermography to expedite rheumatology referrals for inflammatory arthritis, indicating improved patient outcomes.

Cite This Study

Chavez et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a080ab3a487c87a6a40c99f https://doi.org/10.1097/rhu.0000000000002356

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Implication

Randomized trial demonstrates the potential of thermography to expedite rheumatology referrals for inflammatory arthritis, indicating improved patient outcomes.

Developing and Piloting a Standardized Thermography Protocol to Expedite Rheumatology Referrals for Possible Inflammatory Arthritis

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Developing and Piloting a Standardized Thermography Protocol to Expedite Rheumatology Referrals for Possible Inflammatory Arthritis

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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