No study has investigated the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on hypertrophic scar characteristics. Thus, this study aimed to ascertain the effects ESWT on burn scars. The investigators retrospectively reviewed burn patients who had undergone autologous split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) with same artificial dermis between January 2012 and September 2019.
No study has investigated the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on hypertrophic scar characteristics. Thus, this study aimed to ascertain the effects ESWT on burn scars. The investigators retrospectively reviewed burn patients who had undergone autologous split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) with same artificial dermis between January 2012 and September 2019. The ESWT group (n=17) received shock waves with low-energy flux density (0.05-0.30 mJ/mm2). The interval between treatments is a 1-week. The ESWT group also received standard treatment. The control group (n=18) only received standard treatment. We reviewed skin characteristics before and after 6 treatment sessions for both groups. The investigators checked skin charateristics(erythema, transepidermal water loss, sebum level, and elasticity). The investigators expect that ESWT is effective for significantly improving burn-associated scar characteristics and may be used for managing burn patients.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
35
ESWT was performed around the primary treatment site at 100 impulses/cm2, an energy flux density(EFD) of 0.05 to 0.30 mJ/mm2, frequency of 4Hz, and 1000 to 2000 impulses were administered at 1-week intervals for 6 sessions.
Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital
Seoul, Yeong-deungpo-Dong, South Korea
scar thickness
hypertrophic scar thickness check using ultrasonic wave equipment (128 BW1 Medison, Korea).
Time frame: 6 weeks
scar erythema
pigementation and erythema check using Mexameter® (MX18, Courage-Khazaka Electronics GmbH, Germany). The higher values indicating a darker and redder skin.
Time frame: 6 weeks
scar transepidermal water loss(TEWL)
TEWL measured with a Tewameter® (Courage-Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Germany), which is used for evaluating water evaporation. The higher values indicating a skin dryness.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Sebum
Sebum in the scars was measured with the Sebumeter® (Courage-Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Germany). The measurement is based on the principle of grease-spot photometry using a cassette with its special tape. A microprocessor calculates the result, which is shown on the display in mg/cm2.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Elasticity
Elasticity was measured using Cutometer SEM 580® (Courage-Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Cologne, Germany), which applies negative pressure (450 mbar) on the skin. The numeric values (mm) of the skin's distortion is presented as the elasticity. Two seconds of negative pressure of 450 mbar is followed by 2 s of recess, and this consists of a complete cycle. Three measurement cycles were conducted, and the average values were obtained. The higher values present the higher elasticity.
Time frame: 6 weeks
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