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Three-dimensional digital stereophotogrammetry: a reliable and valid technique for measuring scar surface area
Carlijn M Stekelenburg1, Martijn B A van der Wal, Dirk L Knol
1Beverwijk and Amsterdam, The Netherlands From the Association of Dutch Burn Centers; the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Burn Center, Red Cross Hospital; the MOVE Research Institute, VU University of Amsterdam; and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center.
Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry offers a reliable and valid method for measuring scar surface area, improving upon current techniques. This advancement is crucial for accurate scar assessment in research settings.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Dermatology
- Scar assessment
Background:
- Scar surface area is a key metric for evaluating scar characteristics like pigmentation, hypertrophy, and contracture.
- Existing methods for scar surface area measurement are often impractical or lack essential clinimetric properties such as reliability and validity.
- Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry presents a potential solution for enhancing the accuracy of scar surface area measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability and validity of three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry for measuring scar surface area.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involved 32 patients with 50 scar areas.
- Two clinicians independently used a handheld stereographic camera to measure scar surface areas, assessing reliability.
- Planimetry, involving tracing scar surfaces on transparent sheets, served as the benchmark for validity assessment.
Main Results:
- Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry demonstrated high reliability, evidenced by an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.99 and a coefficient of variation of 6.8%.
- The limits of agreement between observers were calculated at 0 ± 0.19 × mean surface area.
- Excellent validity was confirmed, with a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.99.
Conclusions:
- Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry is a dependable and accurate tool for scar surface area measurement in research.
- This technique addresses the limitations of current methods, offering improved reliability and validity for scar assessment.
