With thermal imaging camera we are able to measure the temperature of the body surface which is affected by many factors.The heat distribution of each body part is symmetrical. In case of circulatory problems, changes develop in the symmetry. The cause of the local temperature rise is the vessel dilatation beacause of the release of special inflammatoric agents. Its background can vary, can be caused by soft tissue injury, parasitic infections.
Decreased temperature can be due to reduced blood circulation which can be a consequence of e.g. due to a thrombus or a cyst in the area. This provides us with an opportunity to detect lesions in an early stage when the body surface's temperature is changed before any lesions become visible. Thermal imaging is not a standalone diagnostic procedure but it is useful tool combined with other diagnostic imaging methods which can help the practitioner to reach a more prompt diagnosis.