Dynamics of Thermographic Indices in Rheumatoid Damage of Knee Joint Before and After Mobilizing Operations

Thermographic indices were studied in 35 patients, aged 23-56, with 3-4 stage rheumatoid damage of the knee joint before and after mobilizing operations. It was detected that local inflammatory process achieved its maximum and involved total joint structure in the stage of expanded development of flexor contracture. In ankylosis of the joint thermoradiation decreased abruptly and while the minimum weight-bearing function (fibrous ankylosis) was preserved thermographic indices were higher than in complete bone ankylosis. After surgical intervention thermoradiation increases abruptly that was stipulated by operative injury. During the next 2 years thermoradiation decreases but due to irreversible pathologic changes in the joint complete restoration never occured. In late terms after mobilizing operations (5-9 years) the repeated increase of thermoradiation was observed and it was connected with the additional degenerative dystrophic process that was as a rule accompanied by secondary arthrosis. As after joint mobilization restoration of thermoradiation indices continued during 2 years, rehabilitation measures were recommended for that period.