Comparing Infrared Thermometry and Microwave Radiometry in Monitoring Charcot Foot
A new study published in *Chronic Wound Care Management and Research* evaluates the use of microwave radiometry (MWR) as an alternative to infrared thermometry in diagnosing and monitoring Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CNO) in diabetic patients. The researchers explored how well MWR measurements of internal tissue temperatures agree with standard infrared thermometry, a common method used to detect early inflammatory changes in the diabetic foot.
Key Highlights:
- Study Design: The pilot study included 9 individuals with active CNO and 5 diabetic participants without CNO. Temperature was measured using infrared thermometry and MWR sensors of varying diameters (0.8 cm, 2 cm, and 5 cm) to assess different tissue depths.
- Measurement Agreement: MWR 0.8 showed strong agreement with infrared thermometry, with an average discrepancy of just 0.034°C (statistically insignificant). However, MWR 2 and MWR 5 showed larger differences (−0.323°C and −0.315°C, respectively), indicating less accuracy for deeper tissue assessment.
- Follow-Up Outcomes: Over a median of 67 weeks, 77.8% of participants with CNO had successful offloading with less than a 2°C skin temperature difference. Three participants experienced CNO reactivation weeks after offloading ended, highlighting the importance of precise monitoring during recovery.
- Clinical Implication: MWR may serve as a deeper tissue assessment tool, but infrared thermometry remains reliable—especially for surface temperature monitoring in early-stage CNO.
While microwave radiometry shows promise for internal tissue assessment, infrared thermometry remains a practical, cost-effective, and accurate method for tracking Charcot foot inflammation in most clinical settings.
Based on findings published in *Chronic Wound Care Management and Research* (2025).
Keywords:
Charcot foot,
infrared thermometry,
microwave radiometry,
diabetic foot,
offloading
🔬 Spotlight: Tools for Temperature Monitoring in Diabetic Foot Management
Accurate temperature tracking is essential in the early detection and management of Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy and other diabetic foot complications. Several modern tools now help clinicians and patients monitor inflammation with greater precision and consistency:
- Infrared Thermometers: Widely used handheld devices such as the TempTouch® or ThermoFlash® offer quick, non-contact surface readings that help identify at-risk feet before ulceration occurs.
- Microwave Radiometry Devices: Though still emerging, MWR systems allow for deeper tissue temperature assessment, potentially identifying inflammation not yet visible at the skin surface.
- Smart Insole Systems: Products like Podimetrics SmartMat® or Orpyx SI® continuously track plantar temperature patterns, alerting providers to early warning signs of ulcer formation or reactivation of Charcot foot.
- Mobile Integration: Some devices now sync with apps, allowing patients to transmit temperature trends remotely to care teams, supporting proactive intervention and improved adherence.
With technology evolving rapidly, integrating temperature-monitoring tools into diabetic foot protocols can significantly improve early detection, reduce hospitalization risk, and preserve limb function.