Efficacy and prognostic value of simple wound measurements.

Abstract

FOR OVER a century, dermatologists have recognized the importance of measuring wound area.^1,2 Currently, wound area is used as an end point in clinical trials and to follow up patient progression or regression,^3,4 and it is generally determined by using computer-based planimetry. Computer-based planimetry is a method of measuring wound area that requires the physician to trace the wound and then use specifically designed computer hardware and software to calculate the area within the trace. The physician may need to retrace the wound boundaries using a pen device attached to the computer, or the computer may compute the area from a scanned or digitally photographed image or trace.