Use of an Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera to Screen for Postoperative Surgical Site Infection

Infrared thermal imaging can help:

(1) to localize an infection

(2) to confirm a clinical suspicion when the clinical findings are limited

(3) to help to distinguish infection from other causes of elevated inflammatory markers

Advantages:

(1) noninvasive

(2) repeatable

(3) relatively inexpensive

Limitations:

(1) more superficial location

(2) does not distinguish sterile from nonsterile inflammation

Examples of use:

(1) orthopedic surgery

(2) Nuss repair of pectus excavatum

(3) subcutaneous implants (pacemaker, defibrillator, tissue expander, other)