High-resolution infrared imaging to detect bone, joint and soft-tissue infections in children
High Resolution Thermographic Imaging as a Diagnostic Aid in Paediatric Infections of Bones, Joints, and Soft Tissues
We will test whether a 10-second high-resolution infrared thermal video can help detect bone, joint, or soft-tissue infections in children up to 15 years old.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 0 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sheffield, South Yorkshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT07388017 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot observational project uses High Resolution Infrared Thermographic Imaging (HRTI) to capture a 10-second thermal video of a suspected infected region in children presenting with possible musculoskeletal infection. The recorded videos will be processed and interpreted for temperature patterns that may indicate infection alongside routine clinical assessment and tests. Participation does not alter standard clinical care and is limited to patients at Sheffield Children's Hospital who can provide assent or have a guardian provide consent. The study aims to determine whether HRTI is a feasible, non-invasive adjunct for earlier detection of pediatric musculoskeletal infections.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children and young people from neonates up to 15 years with clinical suspicion of a primary musculoskeletal infection who present to Sheffield Children's Hospital and have a guardian able to give consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with secondary musculoskeletal infections, those who are critically ill or require immediate urgent care, or those outside the age range or consent-language requirements are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, HRTI could provide a quick, non-invasive way to help identify musculoskeletal infections earlier and reduce the need for invasive tests.
How similar studies have performed: Thermography has been used in small or non-pediatric studies to detect inflammation and infection, but its use for pediatric musculoskeletal infections is largely untested and remains preliminary.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children and young people from neonates to 15 years of age: * With clinical suspicion of a primary MSK infection (irrespective of location or aetiology), as defined by presenting symptoms, physical examination and bloodwork performed by a qualified clinician. * Presenting to Sheffield Children's Hospital via A\&E or referral from another hospital. * Who are able to interpret the information given in the information sheet/assent form on paper in English (with the exception of children under the age of 3 years who are not required to assent.) * With at least 1 competent legal guardian who is capable of legally consenting, and interpreting the information given in the information sheet in English. * Where a medical doctor involved in their care has agreed that their participation in the study will not negatively impact on their treatment outcome Exclusion Criteria: * \- Have a secondary MSK infection. * Are severely ill or need urgent/critical attention or have comorbid conditions that will complicate their care, as decided by a medical doctor involved in their treatment. * Patients with conditions including but not limited to leukaemia, hyper/hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus or any other condition that affects their basal metabolic rate/body temperature. * Amputees where the amputated region is contralateral to the region of suspected infection. * Have received an a priori diagnosis or have already undergone any investigation. This includes patients admitted for a recurrence/exacerbation of recently diagnosed MSK infection. * Any patient where the medical team responsible for their treatment raises concerns that HRTI could negatively impact their treatment outcome. * The patient, or their legal guardian(s) do not consent or assent/withdraw consent or assent/ or are not able to consent or assent for any reason. (Eg. The patient/guardian(s) are non-English speakers or have disabilities impairing their understanding of the study.)
Where this trial is running
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
- Sheffield Children's NHS Foundatin Trust — Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sanjeev Madan
- Email: s.madan@sheffield.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 0114 271 7000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.