[libribook.com] Traumatic Scar Tissue Management 1st Edition

response to negative pressure. It has been used to measure the effects of
treatments on burn scars and to assess scar maturation.
Firmness
The durometer applies a vertically-directed indentation load on the scar to
measure tissue firmness. Originally described for use in scleroderma, it has
since been applied to the analysis of induration in burn scar assessment,
Color
Tools that objectively measure scar color include the Chromameter®,
DermaSpectrometer®, Mexameter®, and the Tristimulus colorimeter.
These devices use spectrophotometric color analysis to calculate erythema
and melanin index.
Thickness
Ultrasound scanners, such as the tissue ultrasound palpation system
(TUPS), have been used to quantify scar thickness. The primary drawback
with ultrasonography is that it requires technical training and experience in
image interpretation and is relatively expensive compared to other
modalities.
Perfusion
Laser Doppler perfusion imaging is an established technique for the
measurement of burn scar perfusion that aids in early determination of burn
depth and subsequent treatment course. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging
offers a non-invasive alternative to burn wound biopsy.
3-dimensional topography
3-dimensional systems capture scar surface characteristics with high
definition and reproducibility.
One benefit of the digital age is that most of us own some form of instant phototaking
device, making it relatively easy to document your client’s progress with
photographs of their scar. If possible, document different angles pre- and postsession.
Depending on your professional judgment, photographs at every session
may be necessary; or pictures every third session may give you a better