Embedding Morphoelasticity in Agent-Based Model for Wound Contraction in Burn Injuries
W.S. Gorter (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
FJ Vermolen – Mentor (TU Delft - Numerical Analysis)
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Abstract
Burn injuries form a very specific type of skin wounds, which can cause much suffering and inconvenience to the patients. One who has serious burn injuries, can be literally scarred for life due to the complications developed post wounding. Wound contracture is one of the symptoms that is characteristic for burn injuries and it can yield many complications. At the location of the wound, an unusual large number of fibroblasts accumulates. This is a type of skin cells that exert forces on their direct neighbourhood. Normally, skin is elastic and if forces are removed, the skin recovers to its original shape again. However, in the case of burn injuries, the forces can be so strong, that the skin, like other elastic materials, deforms permanently. Hence, contractures, excessive and pathological contractions are developed. Investigating the healing of burn injuries is necessary to obtain more insights and to know which factors can influence wound contraction and scar formation. This could be helpful in order to give a treatment that is better in tune to avoid complications asmuch as possible.