Objective
To evaluate the benefit of digital infrared thermography imaging (DITI) and three-phase bone scintigraphy (TPBS) for detecting the post-hemiplegic complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Method: DITI and TPBS were done in 26 patients with post-hemiplegic CRPS clinically and 14 hemiplegic patients without CRPS as controls. Positive findings were interpreted when the affected hands were 1.0oC higher than those of unaffected hands in DITI system and pathological uptake in the regions of interest (hands without fingers-carpal bones, metacarpal bones and metacarpopharyngeal joints) in de-layed phase of the TPBS. Results: The sensitivities of DITI and TPBS to detect CRPS were the same to each other as 46.2%, and specificities were 85.7% and 100% respectively. Nineteen of 26 patients (sensitivity=73.1%) were interpreted as abnormal when at least one test showed a positive finding. As a result, an increased diagnostic strength was achieved.Conclusion: These findings suggest that the combination of TPBS and DITI can improve the diagnostic strength of post- hemiplegic CRPS. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2006; 30: 122-127)
