Measuring Functional Outcomes After Laser-Based Rehabilitation of Traumatic Scars and Burn Scar Contractures: A Structured Evidence Map and Practical Follow-Up Framework
- 1Dermatology, Praxis Bigge Ungerechts, Cologne, DEU
Abstract
Traumatic scars and burn scar contractures can cause pain, pruritus, restricted motion, impaired limb function, and difficulty tolerating occupational or protective equipment. Laser-based treatment is increasingly used in rehabilitation, but outcomes remain heterogeneous and often emphasize appearance. This structured narrative review and descriptive evidence map used seven PubMed/MEDLINE search blocks completed on July 21, 2026. Two authors independently screened 898 unique records from 1,191 retrieved records. Reference checking and targeted full-text review supplemented the search; 50 sources informed the framework. Randomized evidence was outcome-dependent: early pulsed dye laser improved patient-rated scar quality in the primary Early Laser for Burn Scars analysis, without consistent observer-rated or quality-of-life benefit. Two within-patient fractional carbon dioxide laser trials reported selected symptom or scar-item improvements despite no significant Vancouver Scar Scale difference. Direct evidence for objective function and return to role remained limited. We propose a minimum-plus-modules framework covering scar characteristics, symptoms, regional function, treatment burden, equipment tolerance, safety and downtime, and graded return-to-work or return-to-duty status. Assessments are linked to baseline, treatment sessions, interim review, treatment completion, and three- and six-to-12-month follow-up. The framework integrates established measures into a practical schedule; it is not a validated core outcome set and requires prospective evaluation.
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BibTeX
@article{bigge2026measuring,
title = {{Measuring Functional Outcomes After Laser-Based Rehabilitation of Traumatic Scars and Burn Scar Contractures: A Structured Evidence Map and Practical Follow-Up Framework}},
author = {Stefan Bigge and Bianca Bigge},
journal = {Cureus},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.7759/cureus.117144},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13718256},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Measuring Functional Outcomes After Laser-Based Rehabilitation of Traumatic Scars and Burn Scar Contractures: A Structured Evidence Map and Practical Follow-Up Framework
AU - Stefan Bigge
AU - Bianca Bigge
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/29
JO - Cureus
DO - 10.7759/cureus.117144
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13718256
AB - Traumatic scars and burn scar contractures can cause pain, pruritus, restricted motion, impaired limb function, and difficulty tolerating occupational or protective equipment. Laser-based treatment is increasingly used in rehabilitation, but outcomes remain heterogeneous and often emphasize appearance. This structured narrative review and descriptive evidence map used seven PubMed/MEDLINE search blocks completed on July 21, 2026. Two authors independently screened 898 unique records from 1,191 retrieved records. Reference checking and targeted full-text review supplemented the search; 50 sources informed the framework. Randomized evidence was outcome-dependent: early pulsed dye laser improved patient-rated scar quality in the primary Early Laser for Burn Scars analysis, without consistent observer-rated or quality-of-life benefit. Two within-patient fractional carbon dioxide laser trials reported selected symptom or scar-item improvements despite no significant Vancouver Scar Scale difference. Direct evidence for objective function and return to role remained limited. We propose a minimum-plus-modules framework covering scar characteristics, symptoms, regional function, treatment burden, equipment tolerance, safety and downtime, and graded return-to-work or return-to-duty status. Assessments are linked to baseline, treatment sessions, interim review, treatment completion, and three- and six-to-12-month follow-up. The framework integrates established measures into a practical schedule; it is not a validated core outcome set and requires prospective evaluation.
SN - 2168-8184
ER -