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Case Reports
. 2010 Nov;115(4):260-5.
doi: 10.3109/03009734.2010.503354. Epub 2010 Sep 22.

Changes with time in skin temperature of the shoulders in healthy controls and a patient with shoulder-hand syndrome

Affiliations
Case Reports

Changes with time in skin temperature of the shoulders in healthy controls and a patient with shoulder-hand syndrome

Yoichi Koike et al. Ups J Med Sci. 2010 Nov.

Abstract

Background: Abnormal skin temperature in the shoulder is caused by various diseases. A thermography is unable to capture temperature changes over time. In contrast, a Thermocron is an effective measuring device to monitor temperature changes over time.

Purposes: The purposes of this study employing a Thermocron were to measure shoulder skin temperature over time in healthy subjects and to detect shoulder skin temperature abnormalities in a patient with shoulder-hand syndrome.

Subjects and methods: Subjects comprised 10 healthy volunteers (20 shoulders; 4 men and 6 women, mean age 54 years). For measurements, a Thermocron was attached on both shoulders. Measurements were made from 21.00 to 07.00 the following morning at 15-minute intervals.

Results: Gradual difference in right and left shoulder skin temperature was observed with the timing of measurements but no significant difference was apparent, i.e. dominant side 34.9 ± 0.8°C, non-dominant side 34.9 ± 0.9°C (P = 0.28). Presentation of a case with shoulder-hand syndrome. A 54-year-old woman with the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear underwent surgical treatment of rotator cuff repair, but the pain of the operated shoulder persisted due to phase 1 shoulder-hand syndrome. In postoperative week 3, skin temperature measurement using Thermocrons demonstrated a significant decrease in temperature on the operated side (affected side 34.3 ± 0.4°C, healthy side 35.2 ± 0.3°C; P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The changing of the skin temperature during night-time was successfully recorded both in the healthy subjects and a case with shoulder-hand syndrome using a Thermocron.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The Thermocron (Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) is 15 mm in diameter and is equipped with a temperature sensor, memory, and battery.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Temperature changes in both shoulders in the healthy group. A gradual difference in dominant (solid line) and non-dominant (broken line) shoulder skin temperature was observed with the timing of measurements, reaching a maximum of 0.6°C (arrow). However, rhythms of the decline and rises in skin temperature were similar in both shoulders. Bar: standard deviation.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Case presentation. Plain radiographs showing osteosclerosis of the distal end of the clavicle and a cyst in the subchondral bone indicate degenerative arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Case presentation. Magnetic resonance image (T2WI) of a shoulder showing rotator cuff tear and glenohumeral effusion.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Temperature changes in both shoulders in a patient with shoulder-hand syndrome. In postoperative week 3, a striking decline in temperature on the operated side was seen from about 22.00, lasting until 03.00 the following morning. The patient was awakened by pain at about 03.00. Temperature was elevated by placing a hot pack on the affected shoulder (broken line).
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Case presentation. Swelling occurred in the hand on the affected side (right hand) in postoperative week 4, a characteristic and a definitive finding for the diagnosis of phase 1 shoulder-hand syndrome.

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