Use of liquid crystal thermography in the evaluation of the diabetic foot.

Liquid crystal thermography (LCT) was used to determine temperature variations on the plantar surface of feet. The purpose was to identify thermal emission patterns associated with diabetic foot ulcers. Three population groups were screened: group I, 16 nondiabetic controls; group II, 21 diabetic patients with no history of pedal ulcers; and group III, 28 diabetic patients with active pedal ulceration or history of foot ulcerations.