Persistent burn scar pain is common after blast and drone-related injuries and may be driven by scar fibrosis, vascular activity, and peripheral nerve involvement within scar tissue. This prospective cohort study aims to determine whether early ultrasound features of scars and nerves predict persistent clinically significant scar pain at 3 and 6 months. Ultrasound measures include scar thickness, echogenicity, Power Doppler vascularity, dynamic adhesion (gliding) assessment, and ultrasound signs of nerve involvement ("US-nerve positive"). Clinical outcomes include pain intensity (NRS), neuropathic pain screening (DN4), and functional interference.
Age ≥18 years
Burn injury with clinically formed scar
Enrollment 2-12 weeks after injury
Scar located on extremities, chest wall, or neck
Severe cognitive impairment preventing valid questionnaires
Hemodynamic instability or inability to complete baseline evaluation
Active systemic infection (enrollment deferred until stable)
Pre-existing chronic pain condition unrelated to burn scar that would confound outcomes (investigator judgment)
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Ukraine