J Korean Radiol Soc.  1987 Aug;23(4):547-553. 10.3348/jkrs.1987.23.4.547.

Application of liquid crystal contact thermography in the diagnosis of spinal nerve root compression syndromes

• Kim JS
• Joung YS
• Lee MG
• Jeon JD
• Jeun WK
• Han CY

• KMID: 2359420
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.1987.23.4.547

Abstract

During 1985. 11. 1.-1986.8.30., Liquid Crystal contact thermography(LCT) were performed on low back pain patients with radiating pain to extremities. Its findings were compared with clinical manifestation, myelogram, CT scan and operative findings. The results were as follows: 1. 39 of total 40 patients were male and the most age proportion was 30-49 year old ages(54%). 2. 24 of 40 patients performed concomitant LCT & Myelography. Of these, 23 patients (96%) showed positive LCT while 20 patients (83%) showed positive myelogram findings. 3. On comparison study with LCT & Myelography, 20 of 24 patients (83%) positive findings on both study. 4. 18 of 40 patients, whoperformed LCT, were confirmed by CT scan or operation. Accuracy of LCT was 94% and its sensitivity was 100%. While14 of 24 patients, who performed myelography, were confirmed. Accuracy of myelography was 86% and its sensitivityalso 86%. LCT show more good co-relation with clinical manifestation and higher accuracy & sensitivity thanconventional myelography. Therefore LCT is effective by adjunctive study with myelography on evaluation of clinically suggested spinal nerve root compression syndromes patients.

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis*
Extremities
Humans
Liquid Crystals*
Low Back Pain
Male
Myelography
Spinal Nerve Roots*
Spinal Nerves*
Thermography*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed