Role of Smart Phone Based Thermal Camera in Predicting the Salvageability and Outcome of Replanted and Revascularized Fingers: A Real Time Cost Effective Method

Background: Monitoring of a replanted finger is a challenging and essential part in its success. Although a number of modalities have been defined for this purpose but no consensus have been seen on any one of these to be the most useful method. The purpose of this study is using a smart phone based thermal imaging camera (FLIR ®) for monitoring of replanted digits. Material and Methods: Using a smart phone based thermal imaging camera (FLIR ®) was used with Samsung android phone. The FLIR system delivers a thermal image of the entire replanted digit with difference in color, representing temperature differences (between -20°C to 120°C). Images were obtained both pre and post operatively, these were compared with subsequent serial measurement done on bed side. Results: A total of 30 digits were replanted and re-vascularized in duration of 3 years. All replantation’s and revascularizations were done by the same surgeon. Seventy percent involved non dominant hand and 30% involved dominant hand. Majority (72.72%) involved a single digit, 27.27% involved multiple. All replantation were done which were amputated proximal to PIPJ. Conclusion: Being a non-invasive temperature measuring modality this method aids in prompt decision making for replantation. It also reliably predicts the probability of survival of the replanted digit. Smart phone based monitoring is non operator dependent, depicting the actual temperature difference between the replanted and adjacent digits, which helps in monitoring.