Long term sensory function after minor partial thickness burn: A pilot study to determine if recovery is complete or incomplete

BackgroundAcute burn damages skin architecture, including nerve endings, altering sensation and influencing recovery of quality of life and participation. It is established that sensation is reduced in scars after deep burn. However, it is unclear if sensory deficits exist in mild scars. The aim of this trial was to determine if sensory deficits persist in mature scars after minor partial thickness burn.MethodsThis observational pilot involved 30 patients with ‘good quality’ scars (defined as VSS ≤5 at ≥6 months post-burn). Sensory function was compared in scars and site matched uninjured skin using von Frey filaments and two-point discrimination (2-PD). Multivariable regression was used to predict the influence of burn and confounders on sensory outcomes.ResultsBoth pressure and 2-PD distance were significantly greater in scar compared to uninjured sites, indicating reduced sensory function. For von Frey filaments, the median was 3.84 (IQR = 1) in scars and 3.22 (IQR = 1) for uninjured (p = 0.001). For 2-PD, the median was 3.9 cm (IQR = 1.8) for scars and 2.6 cm (IQR = 1.6) for control sites (p = 0.001).ConclusionMeasureable sensory deficits persist in mature, good quality burn scars. These deficits may influence long-term recovery after minor partial thickness burn.