18. Overgrowth or Invasion of Keloids: Visual Analysis by A
Finite Element Approach
Akaishi S, Ogawa R, Akimoto M, Hyakusoku H
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nippon Medical School,
Tokyo, Japan
Keloids are formed in response to skin injury and are characterized by
thick, hypertrophic scars that form in a manner that resembles the
growth and formation of malignant tumors. Though alike in form, there is
no scientific evidence that definitively explains the similarities
between keliods and malignant tumors. Keloids physically manifest
themselves in several different forms including one known as Crab’s
claw. There is no evidence that explains which type ofkeloid will
appear, though we hypothesized that the amount of tension and stretching
found in the skin play a role in the type ofkeloid that forms. In order
to test this hypothesis, we used the Finite-Element Method in
conjunction with computer models to asses the impact that tension plays
in the formation of keloids.
