Automated VSS-based Burn Scar Assessment using Combined Texture and Color Features of Digital Images in Error-Correcting Output Coding

Abstract Laser treatment of burn scar has increased in recent years. Standard components of scar evaluation during laser scar revision have yet to be established. Patients who began laser scar revision from January 2018-2020, underwent at least three treatments, and completed evaluations for each treatment were included. Patients underwent fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser scar revision and pre- and post-procedure scar evaluations by a burn rehabilitation therapist, including Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, Vancouver Scar Scale, our institutional scar comparison scale, durometry, and active range of motion measurements. Twenty-nine patients began laser scar revision and underwent at least three treatments with evaluations before and after each intervention. All patients improved in at least one scar assessment metric after a single laser treatment. After second and third treatments, all patients improved in at least three scar assessment metrics. Range of motion was the most frequently improved. Durometry significantly improved after a third treatment. Patients and observers showed some agreement in their assessment of scar, but observers rated overall scar scores better than patients. Patients acknowledged substantial scar improvement on our institutional scar comparison scale. Burn scar improves with fractional ablative laser therapy in a range of scar ages and skin types, as early as the first session. Improvements continue as additional sessions are performed. This work suggests baseline evaluation components for patients undergoing laser, and a timeline for expected clinical improvements which may inform conversations between patients and providers when considering laser for symptomatic hypertrophic scar.

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Interpretation of the DermaLab Combo® pigmentation and vascularity measurements in burn scar assessment: An exploratory analysis

Burns ◽

10.1016/j.burns.2015.01.012 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 41 (6) ◽

pp. 1176-1185 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

T.U. Gankande ◽

J.M. Duke ◽

F.M. Wood ◽

H.J. Wallace

Keyword(s):

Exploratory Analysis ◽

Burn Scar ◽

Scar Assessment

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Burn Scar Evaluation Using the Cutometer® MPA 580 in Comparison to “Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale” and “Vancouver Scar Scale”

Journal of Burn Care & Research ◽

10.1093/jbcr/irx009 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 39 (4) ◽

pp. 516-526 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Marc Nicolai Busche ◽

Alice-Caroline Johanna Thraen ◽

Andreas Gohritz ◽

Hans-Oliver Rennekampff ◽

Peter Maria Vogt

Keyword(s):

Assessment Scale ◽

Burn Scar ◽

Scar Assessment

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A Pilot Study of Making New Skin and Appendages for Post Burn Scars through a Unique Cocktail of Platelet Rich Plasma, Ablative Pixel Erbium: Yag Laser and Micro Needling Radiofrequency

Stem Cell Research International ◽

10.33140/jscr/02/03/00001 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

Keyword(s):

Platelet Rich Plasma ◽

Hair Follicles ◽

Assessment Scale ◽

Plasma Therapy ◽

Burn Scar ◽

Yag Laser ◽

Mean Values ◽

Scar Assessment ◽

Maximum Improvement ◽

New Skin

Burn scars are one of the most resistant and disfiguring scars to be treated by cosmetic and plastic surgery. The challenge remains not only with the damaged top layer but also with singeing and ablation of underlying appendages, vessels, nerves and glandular tissues depending upon the depth and degree of burns. Aim: To improve structural and cosmetic outcome of a burn scar with a cocktail of platelet rich plasma therapy, ablative Pixel Erbium: YAG laser and micro needling. Methods: Five patients of post burn scars were selected for a cocktail treatment of pixel Erbium: YAG laser(Alma lasers, Harmony Platform; 1300mj/p, 5 passes), micro needling radiofrequency (De age: 3mm depth at 35w output, 3 passes) and platelet rich plasma therapy (Two Renew cell kits containing total 27 ml of whole blood). Micro needling radiofrequency was done first followed by instillation of platelet rich plasma (.05ml at a gap of 0.5 cm) each through insulin syringe and ablative laser was done last of all under local anesthesia cream. The sessions were repeated every three weeks for total 3 sessions. Results: There were 2 males and 3 females with post burns scars and all 5 patients completed the study. The scars were assessed using the POSAS (Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale). All patients were assessed for the improvement in pigmentation, vascularity, relief in terms of skin texture, thickness, pliability in a scale of 0-10 and also for the appearance of hair follicles (yes/ no). Maximum improvement of 3.8 points was noted in mean values of pigmentation, while thickness and vascularity showed a difference of 1.4 points each in the mean value. The values obtained in Patient Scar Assessment Scale based on the questionnaire are maximum improvement of 4.2 points was seen in mean values of Colour, while mean values of Pain showed improvement of 1.2 points. There was appearance of new hair follicles in 4 out of 5 patients. Conclusion: Platelet rich plasma cocktail can help in creating new skin by resurfacing old scarred skin, rejuvenating dermis and sub cutis, activating dormant hair follicles and forming new vessels and nerves by repairing damaged appendages.

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