Using Infrared Imaging to Assess Pain Severity in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

The Correlation of Thermal FLIR Imaging and Severity Score in Patients With Newly Diagnosed CRPS

Hospital for Special Surgery, New York · NCT05852210

This study is testing if infrared imaging can help measure pain levels in people who have just been diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospital for Special Surgery, New York (other)
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT05852210 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the effectiveness of Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) imaging in assessing pain intensity and severity in patients newly diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Participants will have infrared images taken of their affected foot and will complete questionnaires regarding their pain levels. The study seeks to determine if FLIR imaging can objectively measure the severity of CRPS and correlate thermal index values with pain intensity and severity scores. Early identification of CRPS severity is crucial for timely treatment and better patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 who have been diagnosed with unilateral CRPS for more than three months.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as disc herniation, systemic infections, malignancies, or those on vasoactive drugs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an objective method for assessing pain severity in CRPS, leading to earlier and more effective treatment.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of infrared imaging in pain assessment is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in using imaging techniques for evaluating pain conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The patient is between 18 and 85 years old
* Providing CRPS diagnostic criteria using the Budapest Clinical Diagnostic Criteria.
* The patients affected with CRPS in a unilateral limb
* The patient has had pain and other symptoms for more than 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with suspected disc herniation, spinal stenosis, myelopathy, and suspected radiculopathy in detailed examinations and examinations (MRI, CT).
* Systemic or local infection
* Malignancy
* Pregnancy
* Uncontrollable medical and psychiatric condition
* The patients diagnosed with dysautonomia, sympathetic dysfunction(such as Raynaud disease or Buerger disease), and patients on vasoactive drugs, the mechanism of action is directly on the vasculartone.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: CRPS, Infrared

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.