A method of recording and objective assessment of hypertrophic burn scars

A technique for recording the shape and size of hypertrophic burns scars during conservative treatment is described. This technique is extremely useful not only for an objective assessment of the healing process but also as an adjunctive research method for comparing two or more differing techniques of treatment. After taking a negative impression of the scar using dental impression material, a positive cast model of the scar is made, which is a three-dimensional copy of the scar. These cast models can be easily obtained and are very precise. They represent the height, size and general appearance of the scar, so that by taking positive impression models at regular intervals, and combining them with photographic and tonometric evaluations, they help in the evaluation of conservative treatment or in studying the mode of action of treatment.