Comparison of one- and two-dimensional programmes for predicting the state of skin burns

To understand and accurately predict tissue damage following a burn, bioheat transfer based mathematical models of the skin were developed. First, mathematical equations with multiple factors to represent the different properties of the various layers of the skin were formulated. These equations were then numerically solved using finite-difference (1-D) and finite-element (2-D) analysis. By application of a standard Arrhenius model for damage rate, the extent of burn injury was computed from the transient temperature solution. The study of the thermal efficacy of cooling treatment was done. Numerical results calculated by current 1-D and 2-D models were compared and discussed. Temperature contours were found to be consistent in both one- and two-dimensions. The Current finite element code provided some additional precision to previously published models as a mesh independent grid was used to enable more accurate numerical prediction of thermal and injury patterns as they developed during the injury process. The study of thermal efficacy of postburn therapy showed that postburn water-cooling could not effectively reduce the extent of burn. However, low temperatures may inhibit the action of inflammatory mediators, and/or, low-temperatures may depress metabolism or microvascular flow thereby reducing long-term injury. Therefore numerical data obtained in the current study suggest that non-thermal factors must be considered in the calculation of the efficacy of postburn cooling therapy. It is equally important to realize that when dealing with living tissue, any numerical model can provide only an approximate to conditions in actual life. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.