2022, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (20): 3265-3272

Application of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in burn wound repair and post-burn scar treatment

An Dong1, Liu Yang2, Yang Tongjiang1   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy as a new technology for burn treatment has been carried out for 16 years. It has achieved significant clinical effects in promoting burn wound healing and improving scar contracture, pruritus, pain, and skin erythema after burn. Up to date, there is still no standardized treatment guideline. Its molecular mechanism, action pathway and treatment parameters are worthy of more extensive and in-depth research.
OBJECTIVE: To review the application and research progress of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in burn wound repair and scar treatment after burn.
METHODS: Related literatures were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP and WanFang databases from their inception to February 2021, with the keywords of “extracorporeal shock wave therapy, shock wave, burns, burn scar, scar” in English and Chinese, respectively. A total of 132 papers were initially retrieved, and 59 papers that followed the inclusion criteria were used for analysis, summarization and review.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy can promote burn wound healing through cell mechanotransduction, regulation of inflammatory response, promotion of angiogenesis, improvement of circulation and acceleration of cell proliferation and epithelialization. It can also soften and regulate the scar tissue, improve the symptoms either of itching or pain, and improve the appearance and function of the skin along with the scar. The therapeutic effect of extracorporeal shock wave on burn is embodied in both physical and biological effects. Cell mechanotransduction plays an important role in shock wave regulation of burn wound healing and hypertrophic scar development. The conduction of shock waves can cause the change of protein and gene expression and regulate the biochemical reaction in cells.
Key words: extracorporeal shock wave therapy, shock wave, burns, scar, mechanotransduction, pain, rehabilitation therapy, review