Features of ultrasound diagnostics of postoperative hypertrophic and keloid scars

Abstract

The problem of pathological skin scar as the final stage of wound healing is currently a topical issue. We have studied the possibility of differential diagnosis of head and neck hypertrophic and keloid scars, by establishing its echogenic differences using ultrasound. We observed 50 patients aged from 15 to 30 with hypertrophic and keloid scars on the head and neck. We have selected patients with optically visualized hypertrophic painless scars which were formed within several weeks. There were enriched blood vessels inside the wound. The intact skin obtained from 50 healthy people was used for comparison. While speaking about a group of patients with keloid scars, it should be noted that formation of this type of scarred tissue lasts for several months, occurs in the age of 25 to 40, is painless but with itching, extending beyond the wound. Ultrasound differentiation of postoperative hypertrophic and keloid scars of layered structure was applied, taking into account the fact that the echolocation wave (21-25 Kts frequency) may change the penetration rate depending on the density and elastic qualities of dermis and subcutaneous fatty epidermis tissues.