Accuracy of infrared thermography in detecting tendinopathy: A systematic review with meta-analysis

This systematic review focused on the use of infrared thermography (IT) for diagnosing tendinopathy. The researchers searched multiple databases for relevant studies and included seven studies in their meta-analysis. They found that IT had an overall sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 95%, with a diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 75.94 and a summary ROC curve (SROC) of 97%. Sensitivity analysis showed higher sensitivity and specificity for lateral epicondylitis and shoulder tendinopathy. In conclusion, infrared thermography demonstrated good accuracy in detecting tendon injuries, especially in evaluating lateral epicondylitis and shoulder tendinopathy.