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Published on: August 2, 2024
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the management of burn scars
Paolo Fioramonti1, Emanuele Cigna, Maria G Onesti
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. fioramontipaolo@hotmail.com
Background:
Hypertrophic and contracture scars are common problems after burn injuries and cause functional and cosmetic deformities. A wide variety of treatments has been advocated for postburn pathologic scars regression. Unfortunately, the reported efficacy has been variable.
Objectives:
To investigate the use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), which mainly targets the fibroblasts in scar tissue, as an effective modality for scar treatment in burn patients.
Materials And Methods:
An experimental study with ESWT was performed in 16 patients with postburn scars contractures, hypertrophic scars, or keloids twice a week for 6 weeks. Digital photographs were obtained and visual analogue scales were completed before and after treatment.
Results:
Already after the first session, scars appeared more pliable, and color mismatch was less evident. At the end of the study period, all treated scars obtained a more acceptable appearance.
Conclusions:
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is a feasible and cost-effective treatment in the management of postburn pathologic scars.
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