Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale Scores Research Articles

A new dressing system for accelerating wound recovery after primary total knee arthroplasty: a feasibility study.

Currently, postoperative wound infection and poor healing of total knee arthroplasty have been perplexing both doctors and patients. We hereby innovatively invented a new dressing system to reduce the incidence of postoperative wound complications. We enrolled 100 patients who received primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty and then applied the new dressing system. The data collected included the number of dressing changes, postoperative hospital stay, Visual Analogue Scale score (VAS), the Knee Society Score (KSS), the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), ASEPSIS scores, The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES), wound complications, dressing cost, the frequency of shower and satisfaction. Subsequently, a statistical analysis of the data was performed. Our findings demonstrated the average number of postoperative dressing changes was 1.09 ± 0.38, and the average postoperative hospital stay was 3.72 ± 0.98 days. The average cost throughout a treatment cycle was 68.97 ± 12.54 US dollars. Collectively, the results of VAS, KSS, and KOOS revealed that the pain and function of patients were continuously improved. The results of the four indexes of the ASEPSIS score were 0, whereas the SBSES score was 3.58 ± 0.52 and 4.69 ± 0.46 at two weeks and one month after the operation, respectively. We observed no wound complications until one month after the operation. Remarkably, the satisfaction rate of the patients was 91.85 ± 4.99% one month after the operation. In this study, we invented a new dressing system for surgical wounds after total knee arthroplasty and further confirmed its clinical feasibility and safety. ChiCTR2000033814, Registered 13/ June/2020.

Facial scars resulting from a transbuccal approach during osteosynthesis of a sagittal split osteotomy: A retrospective study

The purpose of the current study was to assess the quality of facial linear scars. The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) was developed and validated as a tool to assess postoperative scars.Postoperative facial scars were rated using high-quality macrophotographs and SBSES by three independent raters at baseline and three months thereafter. Percentage agreement (PA) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to measure interrater and intrarater reliability. Scar outcomes ranging from 0 (worst) to 5 (best) were evaluated against age and gender.One-hundred-sixty-six patients with a mean age of 30.6 years (range of 17–59) were included in this study. Forty-four were male (26.5%), and 122 were female (73.5%). Mean total SBSES scores were 4.63 (range of 4.56–4.76) at baseline and 4.60 (range of 4.54–4.72) at three months. As patient's age increased, mean total SBSES scores also decreased significantly (r = −0.216, p = 0.005). Gender did not significantly affect raters’ perception of scar cosmesis (p = 0.847). Interrater reliability showed an ICC of 0.675 (95% CI, 0.609–0.731) and a PA of 65.4% at baseline, and an ICC of 0.655 (95% CI, 0.585–0.715) and a PA of 64.2% at three months. Intrarater reliability found ICCs ranging from 0.988 to 0.990 and a PA of 96.8% with 3 separate raters.Within the limitations of the study it seems that the transbuccal approach during osteosynthesis of a sagittal split osteotomy seems still to be acceptable when the patient gives his or her informed consent and advanced instruments like an angled screwdriver are not available.

Comparison of scar outcomes of alar base and columella using irradiated polyglactin 911: a single-blind study

Aim: The formation of scars on the face after open septorhinoplasty (SRP) with alar base reduction may disturb the patient due to cosmetic concerns. This study aimed to compare scar outcomes of the columella and alar base in patients undergoing SRP.
 Material and Method: Twenty-seven patients who underwent alar base reduction during primary open SRP were divided into two groups according to the intervened area as the Columella (CLM) group (n=27) and the Alar Base (AB) group (n=27). Irradiated polyglactin 911 was used in all patients. The modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) and a questionnaire form were used to measure scar outcomes and patient satisfaction. Columellar and alar base scar outcomes were compared.
 Results: Patient satisfaction and scar outcomes were better in the CLM group. There was no significant difference, except for the first month total SBSES scores, between the CLM and AB groups. There was no significant difference in patient questionnaire scores between groups. In the early period, there were more signs of inflammation in the alar base than in the columella, without statistical significance.
 Conclusion: Patient satisfaction and scar outcomes in the columellar area were favorable. Scar outcome on the alar base was statistically significantly worse than columella in the early period. There was no statistically significant difference between both areas in the long-term. Irradiated rapid vicryl can be used for closure of the alar base and columella, considering its advantages and disadvantages, in patients undergoing open septorhinoplasty with alar base reduction.

A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Comparison of Adhesive Wound Closure Devices in an Orthopaedic Patient.

Introduction:The objective of this study was to compare Zip and Clozex with a typical closure using a running 3-0 Prolene suture.Methods:A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted in patients aged 18 years and older undergoing elective orthopaedic surgical procedures between 2019 and 2021. Patients were randomized to undergo skin closure using a running 3-0 Prolene suture, Zip, or Clozex. The length and location of incision, time to close, surgeon satisfaction, and complications were recorded. The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) was used to assess cosmesis at 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Patient satisfaction and adverse events were also recorded.Results:Thirty-two patients were included in the analysis. Suture closure time was longer than Zip (266 vs 123 seconds; P = 0.02) and Clozex (266 vs 91 seconds; P = 0.005). SBSES scores were greater for Clozex at 2 weeks compared with suture (4.09 vs 2.8; P = 0.005). At 3 months, Clozex maintained greater scores compared with suture (3.82 vs 2.85; P = 0.023) and Zip (3.82 vs 3.0; P = 0.046).No differences were observed in patient satisfaction at any time points.Discussion:Although patient satisfaction was similar across groups, wound closure times, SBSES scores, and total cost favor Clozex compared with Prolene suture or Zip.ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number:NCT05251064

A waterproof, low-cost dressing system reduces postoperative wound dressing changes in primary total hip arthroplasty: An efficacy study.

BackgroundsPostoperative wound complication is a major risk factor for the development of Periprosthetic joint infection. We innovatively invented a new dressing system to reduce the occurrence of postoperative wound complications and improve the quality of life of patients after total hip arthroplasty.MethodsA total of 120 patients who underwent primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty were enrolled in this study. The data collected included the number of dressing changes, costs of the dressings, postoperative hospital stay, The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, The Harris Hip Score (HHS), ASEPSIS score, The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES), wound complications, the frequency of showers and satisfaction. Data were statistically analyzed.ResultsThe average number of dressing changes was 0.74 ± 0.46, while the average postoperative hospital stay was 3.67 ± 0.97 days. The average cost of the new dressings throughout a treatment cycle was 57.42 ± 15.18 dollars. The VAS score decreased from 5.63 ± 1.09 before the operation to 0.88 ± 0.54 one month after the operation. The HHS score increased from 70.18 ± 7.84 before the operation to 80.36 ± 4.08 one month after the operation. The results of the four indexes of the ASEPSIS score were all 0. The SBSES score was 3.55 ± 0.61 at two weeks after the operation, and 4.38 ± 0.71 at one month after the operation. No wound complications were recorded until one month after the operation when the satisfaction rate was 92.53 ± 3.62%.ConclusionIn this study, we have invented a new dressing system for surgical wounds after total hip arthroplasty and confirmed its efficacy.Chinese Clinical Trial RegistryChiCTR2000033822, Registered 13/ June/2020

Aesthetic Outcomes of Botulinum Toxin Injection for Management of Disfiguring Forehead Scars

Objectives: The evaluation of the aesthetic outcomes of Botulinum toxin A (BTXA) injection after the excision of disfiguring forehead scars. 
 Patients and Methods: 30 patients with forehead scars underwent surgical excision under local anesthesia and BTXA injection (50U/ml) after skin closure. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, at 6 and 12 months postoperatively (PO) for the evaluation of outcomes using the patient's self-assessment scar scale, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), and The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES). Patients' satisfaction was evaluated before and after PO using a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS).
 Results: At 12-months PO, the aesthetic outcome was very satisfactory by 18 patients, satisfactory by 5 patients, and good by 3 patients, while 4 patients found the aesthetic outcome fair and poor with a significantly higher PO satisfaction score compared to the preoperative score. PO scores of the scar-assessment scales showed progressive improvements with significant differences in comparison to preoperative scores and between 6- and 12-months scores. The satisfaction score was negatively related to female gender and body mass index (BMI). Regression analysis defined a high pre-procedural patient's self-assessment scar scale and low SBSES scores as negative significant predictors of high satisfaction.
 Conclusion: BTXA injection after excision of disfiguring forehead scars provided highly satisfactory outcomes with a reduction of the scar width, irrespective of the scar shape.

Cosmetic Outcomes of Scalp in Standard Reverse Question Mark Incision and L.G. Kempe Incision in Large Craniotomies

Background and Aim: Craniotomy is a surgery in which a flap of the skull is opened to access the affected area in the brain. Since paying attention to the aesthetic aspects of the patient’s head after surgery is very important for the patient’s mental health and social life, surgeons should try to adopt a method that minimizes damage to the scalp and follicles. Methods and Materials/Patients: In this clinical trial study, patients who were candidates for frontotemporoparietal craniotomy surgery were selected. Twenty-three selected patients were randomly divided into 2 groups consisting of a 12-member intervention group (L.G. Kempe) and an 11-member control group (Standard Reverse Question mark). Patients underwent a pre-operative biopsy of the scalp and a follow-up biopsy 6 months post-operatively. In the evaluation of aesthetic aspects, the created scar was scored using the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES). Patients were also directly asked about their satisfaction with the operation and the scar created. Results: In 23 patients, the results showed that patients who underwent LG Kempe incision craniotomy received significantly higher scores in SBSES scoring evaluations (P=0.005). There was no significant difference in subjective evaluations by asking patients about their satisfaction with the scar site and the operation area (P=0.75). In the analysis of post-operative hair follicle density between the 2 groups (P=0.910), general changes in pre-operative and post-operative follicle density in all samples (P= 0.657) as well as comparing the changes between 2 groups, no significant difference was found between follicular density changes between the intervention and control groups (P=0.137). Conclusion: Patients treated with L.G. Kempe incision had significantly higher SBSES scores, which can be considered an aesthetically superior method that could prevent the formation of undesirable scar.

Catgut Versus Polypropylene Sutures for Transcolumellar Incision Closure in Open Rhinoplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BackgroundOpen rhinoplasty, including the transcolumellar approach, is commonly performed as it has fewer side effects and provides superior anatomical control to the surgeons compared to closed rhinoplasty. However, the postoperative scar outcomes, such as scar appearance, vary depending on the type of suture used in wound closure, and the optimal suture type is not firmly established.ObjectiveTo compare the impact of catgut versus polypropylene sutures on the postoperative transcolumellar scar outcomes and patient satisfaction following open rhinoplasty.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study, including 100 patients who underwent transcolumellar open rhinoplasty, was conducted at otolaryngology department of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, KSA. The patients were divided into two groups: the propylene suture group (group 1), which included 15 males and 35 females with a mean age of 31.5 years and underwent surgery using propylene sutures, and the catgut suture group (group 2), which included 10 males and 40 females with a mean age of 30.5 years and underwent surgery using catgut sutures. The postoperative transcolumellar scar outcomes, as determined by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) scores, and patient satisfaction, as assessed using a self-assessment scale, were compared between groups.ResultsThe scars were unnoticeable in the majority of both groups: 88% in group 1 and 86% in group 2. The VAS and SBSES scores did not significantly differ between groups. Patients' satisfaction rates were also comparable and did not significantly differ between groups (p = 0.341).ConclusionBoth catgut and polypropylene sutures lead to similar outcomes and patient satisfaction rates in terms of postoperative rhinoplasty transcolumellar scars. Thus, catgut may be the optimal suture for closing transcolumellar incisions following open rhinoplasty.

Early and Late Efficacy on Wound Healing of Silver Nanoparticle Gel in Males after Circumcision.

We evaluate the early and late safety and efficacy of silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) in wound healing after circumcision. This multicenter prospective comparative non-randomized observational study compares wound dressing with AgNPs (group A) vs. gentamicin cream (group B). Follow-up included objective evaluation at 10 and 30 days by the Southampton Scoring System (SSS) and Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES). We enrolled 392 males: 194 in group A, and 198 in group B. At 10 days follow-up, in group A, the SSS scale was grade 1 in 49.5% and grade 2 in the remaining; meanwhile, in group B, grade 1 was in 58%, grade 2 in 34.3%, and grade 4 in 7.6%. At 30 days follow-up, grade 1 healing was 97.4% and 98.4% in group A and B, respectively. At 10 days follow-up, the mean SBSES score was 3.58 and 3.69 in group A and B, respectively; while at 30 days follow-up, 4.81 and 4.76 in group A and B, respectively. Only in group B did 7.6% of males have antibiotic therapy due to pus discharge. No patients needed surgical wound revision. AgNPs led to a late but safer healing, they were non-inferior to the antibiotic cream wound dressing efficacy, and they avoided pus discharge and the need for oral antibiotics due to their polymer material.

Autologous bone reconstruction as sandwich technique in pediatric posterior fossa surgery: finding a noble eightfold path for developing countries

Background: Sub-occipital craniotomy in pediatric population is difficult owing to uneven surface of growing calvaria and thin dura. Our novel technique using autologous bone chips and gelfoam bridges the two standard techniques. In this study, we intend to compare the surgical outcome in pediatric posterior fossa tumours.Methods: We included patients, operated via midline sub-occipital approach, from January 2013 to October 2018 and grouped them, on basis of whether or not sandwich reconstruction was done. We compared pseudomeningocele, post-operative headache, CSF leakage and postoperative hydrocephalus requiring CSF diversion. The aesthetic outcome was assessed using Stony Brook scar evaluation scale (SBSES).Results: 124 patients, divided into group A (n=53), group B (n=58) and group C (n=13) based on technique of surgical closure. The sandwich closure is significantly better in terms of both aesthesis and post-operative pain (p<0.05). There was a trend showing that sandwich closure decreases risk for pseudomeningocoele, wound infection, CSF leak and post-operative hydrocephalus. Median SBSES Score in group B was 4 compared to 2 in group A and patients were significantly more satisfied.Conclusions: The uniform bone coverage with sandwich closure provides nearly similar reconstruction to craniotomy. All risks of using drill over pediatric calvaria are eliminated and advantages are carried. The bony barrier prevents adhesion and decreases both immediate and delayed headache. The technique is not only technically easier and aesthetically better, but also has better long term satisfactory results with possibility of neo-bone formation.

Outcomes of Cutaneous Scar Revision During Surgical Implant Removal in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Children who have had surgery involving the placement of an implant frequently undergo a subsequent surgery for hardware removal. The cosmesis of surgical scars following initial and subsequent surgeries is unpredictable. Scar incision (subsequent surgical incision through the initial scar) or excision (around the initial scar) is selected on the basis of the quality of the initial scar. The outcomes following these techniques have not been determined. This prospective, consecutive case series was designed to compare outcomes following surgical scar incision versus excision at the time of implant removal in children with cerebral palsy. Photographs of the scars were made preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months following implant removal and were graded for scar quality utilizing the modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES). Parental assessment of scar appearance was performed at the same time points utilizing a visual analog cosmetic scale (VACS). The scars that were selected for incision had significantly worse SBSES scores at 6 and 12 months following the second surgery compared with preoperative values. However, parents' VACS scores of the incised scars, although worse at 6 months, were comparable with preoperative scores at 12 months. Scars that were selected for excision had significantly worse SBSES scores at 6 months but scores that were comparable with preoperative values at 12 months. VACS scores for the excised scars were comparable at the 3 time points. Surgical incisions that initially healed with good scar quality generally healed well (from the parents' perspective) following subsequent incision through the previous scar. Surgical incisions that initially healed with poor scar quality did not heal better following excision of the previous scar. In such situations, surgical excision of the existing scar should occur in conjunction with additional adjuvant therapies to improve cosmesis. Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Wide-Open Dorsal Approach Rhinoplasty for Droopy Noses.

Because rhinoplastic surgery predominantly deals with the osseocartilaginous skeleton, droopy noses with thick skin remain a problem to be solved. In these noses, neglecting excess skin can impair long-lasting and complete correction of the nasal deformity. As these noses already require redundant dorsal skin resection, surgical manipulations can be executed entirely through the dorsal skin excision window instead of the transcolumellar approach. The wide-open dorsal approach rhinoplasty (WoDAR) was developed to allow removal of excess dorsal skin and reconstruction of the nasal osseocartilaginous framework through the excised dorsal skin avoiding a transcolumellar incision. Nine male patients with thick skin and significantly ptotic noses were operated with WoDAR. The cosmetic appearance of the noses was evaluated by the patients before and after the operation using a visual analog scale (VAS). The nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale was evaluated individually preoperatively and postoperatively. The nasolabial angle (NLA) was measured preoperatively, at the third, twelfth, and twenty-fourth months postoperatively. Dorsal scars were evaluated by means of the Stony Brook's scar evaluation scale (SBSES). Patients (mean age: 51.4 ± 4.8 years) were followed for an average duration of 20.6 ± 8.4 months. Cosmetic evaluation revealed that the mean patient preoperative VAS score was 23.3 ± 25.6, whereas the postoperative VAS score was 92.6 ± 14.8. Preoperative and postoperative NOSE scores were 79.5 ± 16.5 and 11.5 ± 11.5, respectively. The mean preoperative NLA was 72.9 ± 2.9° and at the third and twelfth month postoperatively was 92 ± 6.5 and 91 ± 5.4. The NLA measurements of all four patients followed for 24 months revealed less than 2° derotation compared to third postoperative month. The mean SBSES score was 4.1 ± 0.8 out of 5. WoDAR allowed esthetically and functionally pleasing outcomes. This advantageous technique can be regarded as a surgical alternative for carefully selected aged patients with severely ptotic, thick-skinned noses who might otherwise end up with unsatisfying results both for surgeon and patients.

Early postoperative treatment of thyroidectomy scars using botulinum toxin: a split-scar, double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Operational scars, especially those located on the exposed parts of the body, can be distressing. Despite high demand for an early intervention to minimize surgical scars, there is yet no universal consensus on optimal treatment. A split-scar, double-blind randomized controlled trial was held to assess the safety and efficacy of early postoperative botulinum toxin type A (BTA) injection in surgical scars. A single session of treatment was performed where BTA was allocated to one half of the scar and 0.9% saline to the control half. Scars were assessed using the modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) with standardized photographs. Fifteen patients completed the study, and their data were analyzed. At 6 months' follow-up, a significant improvement in SBSES score was noted for the BTA-treated halves of the scars (p < 0.001), with minimal change on the saline-treated side (p = 0.785). The mean calculated difference in SBSES scores (final/initial) between the BTA-treated side and the saline-treated side was also significant (p < 0.001). Early postoperative BTA injection was safe and effective in modulating thyroidectomy scars and may be a promising option for scar prevention.

CLINICAL OUTCOME AND COST COMPARISON OF CARPAL TUNNEL WOUND CLOSURE WITH MONOCRYL® AND ETHILON®: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

This prospective non-randomised two-cohort study compares the use of an absorbable suture (Poliglecrapone [Monocryl]: Group A) and a non-absorbable suture (Polyamide [Ethilon]: Group B) in wound closure after elective carpal tunnel decompression. The primary outcome was scar cosmesis as assessed by the Stonybrook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES); the financial cost of wound closure was compared as a secondary outocome. All fifty patients completed follow-up. At six weeks, there was no significant difference in the two groups regarding scar tenderness (p = 0.5), although residual swelling was more evident in the absorbable group (p = 0.2). The mean SBSES score at six weeks was 4.72 in Group A, and 4.8 in Group B (p = 0.3). The unit cost per closed wound of Monocryl was three times than Ethilon (p < 0.05). Ethilon is thus cost-effective without compromising the cosmetic outcome, and we recommend using this as the preferred suture for closure of carpal tunnel wounds.