Objective quantification of burn scar stiffness using shear-wave elastography: Initial evidence of validity

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Ultrasound Technology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Scar stiffness is a key factor in burn recovery.
• Accurate quantification of scar stiffness is challenging.
• Shear-wave elastography (SWE) offers a non-invasive method to measure tissue stiffness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the concurrent validity of SWE for measuring burn scar stiffness.
• To evaluate the correlation between SWE measurements and established scar assessment scales (VSS, POSAS).
• To identify patient-specific factors influencing SWE measurements in burn scars.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 32 participants with 48 burn scars.
• Evaluation using SWE, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) tactile sub-scores.
• Statistical analysis including Spearman's rho correlations and regression analysis.

Main Results:

• High correlations (r > 0.7) were observed between SWE velocity and POSAS/VSS pliability sub-scores.
• Moderate correlations (r > 0.6) were found with the calculated difference in velocity.
• Time since burn injury, gender, body location, and Fitzpatrick skin type significantly influenced scar velocity.

Conclusions:

• SWE is a potential novel tool for quantifying burn scar stiffness.
• Patient factors must be considered for accurate interpretation of SWE results.
• Further research on diverse scar types is recommended to validate findings.