Scar assessment has long relied on a variety of instruments, most of them questionnaires or scales that are susceptible to bias and limit the level of evidence in research. Throughout recent years, a variety of objective assessment tools have been developed. They allow for the exact quantification of different scar parameters such as texture, pliability, color, and size, thus facilitating detailed progress analysis throughout treatment.
The advent of new technology, however, has its pitfalls, too. The number of different technologies available is hard to review, and oftentimes, clinical validation is lacking, making it hard for researchers to gauge whether a certain instrument is adequate for their individual projects.
The use of each individual instruments has different requirements regarding patient preparation and calibration, and the measurements themselves can often be adjusted through a variety of parameters. This requires intensive familiarization with the respective instruments. Additionally, interpretation of the data can be complicated, and distinguishing statistically significant differences from clinically important differences remains difficult.
Modern technology, however, allows researchers to measure treatment effects that otherwise would have eluded them through the use of subjective evaluation only.
Through objective scar assessment technology and its detailed abilities to document changes throughout treatment, the evidence in scar-related research can be greatly improved, and current as well as new treatment options can finally be adequately gauged for their efficacy.
Copyright 2020, The Author(s).