Carlijn M Stekelenburg1, Martijn B A van der Wal, Dirk L Knol, Henrica C W de Vet, Paul P M van Zuijlen. 1. Beverwijk and Amsterdam, The Netherlands From the Association of Dutch Burn Centers; the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Burn Center, Red Cross Hospital; the MOVE Research Institute, VU University of Amsterdam; and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The surface area of scars is an important outcome parameter in scar assessment. It is often used to quantify the extent of scar features, such as pigmentation disturbances, hypertrophy, and contracture. Currently available techniques for measuring the surface area are known to be cumbersome or do not meet the basic clinimetric criteria (i.e., reliability and validity). Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry is a technique that may improve the quality of surface area measurements. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry for measuring scar surface area. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, two independent clinicians photographed and measured 50 scar areas of 32 patients using a handheld stereographic camera, to assess reliability. Subsequently, using planimetry, the scar surface was traced on a transparent sheet (considered the accepted standard) to assess validity. RESULTS: Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry showed good reliability, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.99 and a coefficient of variation of 6.8 percent. To visualize the differences between the two observers, data were plotted and the limits of agreement were calculated at 0 ± 0.19 × mean surface area. Also, excellent validity was found, with a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.99. CONCLUSION: This study showed that three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry is a reliable and valid tool for research purposes in the field of scar surface area measurements. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, I.
BACKGROUND: The surface area of scars is an important outcome parameter in scar assessment. It is often used to quantify the extent of scar features, such as pigmentation disturbances, hypertrophy, and contracture. Currently available techniques for measuring the surface area are known to be cumbersome or do not meet the basic clinimetric criteria (i.e., reliability and validity). Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry is a technique that may improve the quality of surface area measurements. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry for measuring scar surface area. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, two independent clinicians photographed and measured 50 scar areas of 32 patients using a handheld stereographic camera, to assess reliability. Subsequently, using planimetry, the scar surface was traced on a transparent sheet (considered the accepted standard) to assess validity. RESULTS: Three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry showed good reliability, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.99 and a coefficient of variation of 6.8 percent. To visualize the differences between the two observers, data were plotted and the limits of agreement were calculated at 0 ± 0.19 × mean surface area. Also, excellent validity was found, with a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.99. CONCLUSION: This study showed that three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry is a reliable and valid tool for research purposes in the field of scar surface area measurements. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, I.
Authors: Mitchell Peake; Kristen Pan; R Maxwell Rotatori; Heather Powell; Laura Fowler; Laura James; Elizabeth Dale Journal: Burns Date: 2019-06-15 Impact factor: 2.744
Authors: M Rijsbergen; L Pagan; T Niemeyer-van der Kolk; R Rijneveld; G Hogendoorn; C Lemoine; Y Meija Miranda; G Feiss; J N Bouwes Bavink; J Burggraaf; M I E van Poelgeest; R Rissmann Journal: J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol Date: 2019-03-12 Impact factor: 6.166