Design and development of a digital image correlation scanner for burn scar pliability evaluation

Abstract

Assessing the pliability of burn scars represents a key clinical challenge for monitoring the healing process and optimising rehabilitation treatments. Currently, most of the methods used to assess scar quality are based on subjective evaluations, limiting the accuracy and reproducibility of the results. This study presents the development of an innovative scanner based on the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique to objectively measure changes in scarred skin deformation. The designed system integrates a hardware configuration with an image processing algorithm able to detect with high accuracy the deformations of the skin subjected to a known stress, allowing the calculation of the pliability value. By comparing two values obtained in two successive sessions, it is possible to verify the improvement in the health of the scar. Preliminary tests have shown that the system is able to provide reliable and reproducible data, confirming the technology’s potential for scar quality assessment. The implementation of this technology could help change the management of burn scars, improving patients’ quality of life through more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatments.