Temperature measurements in trauma patients with a fracture of the lower extremities in

the rehabilitation phase.

At the moment of writing there is no information in the literature about the

temperature in the affected limb in trauma patients with a fracture of the lower extremities. It is

unknown if there is a variation in temperature over time in patients with a fracture of the lower

extremities that have permissive weight bearing. Patients who have had a fracture of the lower

extremities are at risk of overload during early mobilization. It is conceivable that pressure or

overpressure causes a change of temperature in the affected limb. However, there are no known studies

that substantiate this, most likely because there is currently no system that easily ambulatory measures

the temperature. The ambulatory measurement of the temperature during the rehabilitation process

could give more insight into the consequences of load or overload of the affected leg. To do this in the

future we will develop an ambulatory measurement system consisting of a temperature sensor that can

be worn around the ankle. Can we demonstrate differences in temperature of the part relative to

contralateral side? Is this inflammatory response useful as feedback for patients and therapists to better

individualize the weight bearing? This study is designed to see if it is possible to reliably measure the

temperature of the skin at the height of the ankles during weight bearing. The study population is

trauma patients with a fracture of the lower extremities that are clinically admitted in Adelante

Rehabilitation Centre.

Investigate whether it is possible to reliably measure the temperature of the lower

extremities by means of a temperature sensor on both ankles of the rehabilitants and follow the

temperature longitudinally through time. An increase in temperature at the height of the ankle is a sign

of overload and requires adaptation of the rehabilitation program.

At the end of the day the temperature will be measured. If there is an increase in

temperature and the patient is having complaints, the rehabilitation program will be adapted.

One sensor per leg will be placed at the height of the ankle of both legs on trauma

patients who have had a fracture of the lower extremities.