Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Despite its clinical relevance in several populations, there is no evidence on applicability of the 6-min walk test (6MWT) in burned subjects. ⋯ The 6MWT was applicable, well tolerated and reproducible at hospital discharge in burned individuals. However, there was considerable learning effect between the first and second test. Finally, the reduced exercise capacity observed reinforces need for early rehabilitation in this population.
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Hypertrophic scars are usually evaluated based on scar assessment scales such as Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) which are difficult in recording small changes in the scar conditions over time. This study adopts a simple method to quantify the size of hypertrophic scars on hands by using a camera and tripod set-up for image capturing and a free software, ImageJ, for analysis. The ability to record the changes in scars condition and healing progress of this method were investigated. ⋯ No significant within-subject effect of the repeat of measurements (p>0.05) and between-subject effect of the three operators (p>0.05) were found on the scar area measurements and the proportion of the scars on hands but significant differences were found between different time-points of the image capturing (p<0.05). The image analysis method is more sensitive to the change of scars conditions over time than the VSS record. This is an economical and relatively easy method to quantify the changes in the hypertrophic scars which could be useful for monitoring the progress of therapy and encourage treatment compliance.
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Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), first described in the eighties for the treatment of urolithiasis, has also been applied in other fields such as orthopaedics and chronic wound care. Recently it has also been used in the treatment of burns and its sequelae since several studies suggest it could be an important tool in the conservative management of these conditions. The aim of this article is to review the literature for published evidence on the use of ESWT for the treatment of acute burn patients and its sequelae and to elaborate a brief report on the current state of the matter. ⋯ Scientific evidence on the use of ESWT for the treatment of burn patients is weak due to the paucity of studies and their low quality. However, ESWT seems to be a promising tool in this field and therefore more high-quality trials should be conducted.