Temperature measurement in Paget's disease of bone

Paget's disease of bone, identified over 200 years ago, is characterised by altered bone metabolism, increased heat and bending of long weight bearing bones such as the tibiae. Infrared thermography is an efficient means of monitoring the temperature changes over actively diseased bone. Fundamental studies to determine the cause of temperature changes have been made, using a mathematical model of heat flow in the tibia. These indicate that high osseous vascularity is the major cause of the temperature increase. Changes in temperature often precede clinical response to treatment or remission. A series of case studies using Calcitonin, and also Etidronate therapy for periods up to 4 years, have been recorded using a thermal index. Quantitative thermography is the ideal means for monitoring the progress of the disease and its treatment.