Infrared Thermography for Diagnosis of Musculoskeletal Infections

This study is looking for children and young people from birth up to 15 years old who are suspected of having a bone, joint, or soft tissue infection. This suspicion would come from their symptoms, a physical check-up, and blood tests done by a doctor at Sheffield Children's Hospital or if they've been referred from another hospital. Importantly, you or your child must be able to understand the study information provided in English, and a parent or guardian must be able to give legal permission for their child to join.

However, some children won't be able to take part. This includes children who have a secondary infection (meaning the infection spread from somewhere else), or those who are very unwell, need urgent care, or have other serious health problems that might make taking part risky. Children with certain conditions that affect their body temperature or metabolism, like diabetes or thyroid problems, also won't be able to join. If your child has already been diagnosed or had investigations for this specific infection, or if the medical team feels participating would negatively affect their care, they cannot join. Lastly, if you or your child cannot understand the study information or do not wish to participate, then they won't be included.

If you and your child decide to take part, it's quite straightforward. Your child will have a short video taken of the area where the infection is suspected using a special camera. This video will only last about 10 seconds. This is a non-contact, harmless scan and does not involve any injections, X-rays, or uncomfortable procedures. This thermal imaging will happen alongside their usual medical care and will not change the treatments their doctors have planned for them. There are no extra hospital visits required specifically for the study. The total duration of your child's participation will be just for this one thermal imaging scan.