Ablative fractional photothermolysis in the treatment of scar contractures of the wrists and forearms: a retrospective data analysis

AUTHORS: Perry A¹, Elston J2, Reynolds H³, Hawley L³, Kroonen L², Uebelhoer NS³, Shu­maker PR³

RESEARCH SITES: ¹Department of Derma­tology and Dermatologic Surgery, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA, ²Department of Ortho­pedics, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA, ³Department of Derma­tology and Dermatologic Surgery, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA

PUBLICATION: JAMA Dermatology Vol. 71 No. 4, pp. 841-842

YEAR: 2014

Since its introduction in 2007, ablative fractional photothermolysis (AFP) has been reported to be effective in improving appearance and texture in a broad array of skin conditions, including surgical, acne, and traumatic scars.1,2 A growing number of anecdotal reports have suggested that this laser modality can safely and effectively improve function in patients with debilitating scar contractures.3-5 However, to our knowledge there has not previously been a systematic evaluation of efficacy specifically related to function.