Novel Stereoscopic Optical System for Objectively Measuring Above-Surface Scar Volume-First-Time Quantification of Responses to Various Treatment Modalities.

BACKGROUND: Current approaches use subjective semiquantitative or cumbersome objective methodologies to assess physical characteristics of hypertrophic and keloid scars.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of a new stereoscopic optical and high-resolution 3-dimensional imaging system, for objectively measuring changes in above-surface scar volume after various interventions.

METHODS: Feasibility and accuracy were assessed by monitoring the above-surface scar volume of 5 scars in 2 patients for 5 successive months. Above-surface scar volume and Vancouver Scar Scale scores and the investigator and patient volume improvement assessment scores were assessed before and 12 weeks after last intervention.

RESULTS: Scar volume measured by the imaging system correlated significantly with the gold standard (actual weight). The greatest volume reduction followed a combination of cryotherapy and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and 5-fluorouracil injections in Patient 1 and a combination of pulse dye laser and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections in Patient 2.

CONCLUSION: The new stereoscopic optical system is a valid, accurate, and practical objective method for assessing scar volume and for monitoring treatment response. It is more sensitive and accurate than semiquantitative objective scales. Further studies with a higher number of patients and scars are required to increase the measurement validity of the system.