The use of neoprene as a scar management modality

Scar formation is one of the most functionally and cosmetically debilitating results of thermal injuries. Burn team members continuously search for new, cost effective, ways to prevent and treat hypertrophic scar formation. This study is a retrospective review of one facility's use of neoprene based products as an adjunct to, or in place of, traditional scar management techniques.

Records of all patients treated with neoprene patches or neoprene splints from March 2008 through April 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Vancouver Scar Scores (VSS) were collected, photographs were reviewed and any documented problems reported by the patients were noted.

Mean VSS scores were significantly lower at follow-up (5.3, SD 2.8) than at initial appointment (11.7, SD 1.4) with an estimated mean difference of 6.3 (P=0.0001). A 95% confidence interval for this mean difference is 3.9-8.7.

In the reviewed cases, the use of neoprene inserts or splints resulted in a statistically significant reduction in hypertrophic scars with no secondary complications.