Use of a non-contact 3D digitiser to measure the volume of keloid scars: a useful tool for scar assessment

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2007;60(1):87-94. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2005.12.051. Epub 2006 Jun 12.

Abstract

Keloid scars often fail to respond to treatment, so research into new therapeutic regimes is important. However, research is limited by a scarcity of reliable, objective scar assessment tools. The volume of a keloid scar should decrease with successful treatment. This study demonstrates the use of a non-contact 3D digitiser to measure digitally the volume of a keloid scar. The scanner was used to scan 62 keloid scars and one fine-line normal scar. The scan took approximately 9s to complete. The volume was measured using 3D reverse modelling software. A previously validated scar assessment scale was used to score the scars according to their physical parameters. A significant correlation was found between volume and the scar score (Pearson's r=0.627, p<0.001). Linear regression was also statistically significant (p<0.001, R(2)=0.44). Therefore it was possible to predict the scar score from the measured volume. This technique could allow monitoring of a patient on treatment, or comparison of treatments in a research setting. It overcomes previous problems with the measurement of scar volume as it is quantitatively objective and well-tolerated.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Keloid / pathology*
  • Lasers*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Regression Analysis
  • Software