Can a thermal camera spot knee tendon damage in athletes?

NCT ID NCT07095738

Completed Diagnosis Sponsor: Cardenal Herrera University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether infrared thermography (a heat-sensing camera) can help diagnose patellar tendinopathy, a common knee injury in athletes. Researchers compared thermal images from 54 athletes—some with the condition and some healthy—to see if heat patterns and texture differences could tell them apart. The goal is to find a low-cost, non-invasive alternative to MRI or ultrasound for diagnosing this painful condition.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a cheaper, more accessible way to diagnose patellar tendinopathy without relying on costly MRI or ultrasound.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed cross-sectional study (54 participants) that only compares athletes with and without the condition. It does not test a treatment, and the method may not be accurate enough for routine clinical use.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

patellar tendinitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY PATELLAR TENDINOPATHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Ceu Cardenal Herrera University

Elche, Alicante, 03204, Spain

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