Skin tensile strength modulation by compressive garments in burn patients.A pilot study

Compression therapy is frequently wed to prevent hypertrophy of post-burn s cars. This pilot study was performed in 6 patients to assess non-invasive c hanges induced in the tensile strength of the skin before any clinical impr ovement can be perceived. Assessments were performed using a computerized s uction device delivering three 5s cycles of 500 mbar depression. Measuremen ts were made at one-month intervals for three months after initiating the g arment compression therapy. Comparisons were made between the intact skin, the ungrafted and grafted post-burn scars and the graft donor sites. Data s how that garment compression therapy alters the tensile strength in the ski n of all test sites. The most reliable variations consist of an increase in both the extensibility and elasticity of the tissues submitted to traction .