Objective
The study was designed to assess the efficacy of digital infrared thermographic imaging(DITI) in differentiating between reherniation and scarring after open lumbar disc surgery.
Methods
Thirty three patients among 84 patients showing recurrent or persistent leg pain after open lumbar discectomies by the senior author or at other hospitals from 1993 to 1999 underwent magnetic resonance image(MRI) scan and DITI.
Results
Among them 18 patients exhibiting reherniation on MRI scan and taking a repeat surgery had mean thermal differences of 0.83±0.48 between both lower extremities. Fifteen patients exhibiting epidural scarring on MRI scan and taking conservative treatment had mean thermal difference of 0.52±0.20 between both lower extremities. The paired-t test showed significant statistics(p=0.017).
Conclusion
We conclude that DITI can predict reherniation or scarring and be used as an alternative method in assessment of patients with recurrent or persistent lumbar disc herniation after open lumbar discectomy.
