Objective measurement of hypertrophic burn scar: a preliminary study of tonometry and ultrasonography.

Many people are burned each year and subsequently develop hypertrophic burn scars. An objective means for quantitatively measuring scar characteristics would be useful in monitoring resolution of the individual patient's scars as well as in evaluating different treatment protocols. Two methods for quantitative measurement of hypertrophic scars were evaluated in 4 patients at 8 scar sites over a 2-month period. A specially designed tonometer, the cicatrometer, assesses scar firmness and pliability. It is shown to provide a simple noninvasive means for objectively evaluating the progress of scar maturation and therapy. High-resolution ultrasonic scanning is shown to provide an objective, quantitative measurement of hypertrophic scar thickness, which can be compared between patients. This allows for the design of controlled trials comparing different treatment protocols.