  We consider a one-dimensional morphoelastic model describing post-burn scar
contraction. This model describes the displacement of the dermal layer of the
skin and the development of the effective Eulerian strain in the tissue.
Besides these components, the model also contains components that play a major
role in skin repair after trauma. These components are signaling molecules,
fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and collagen. We perform a sensitivity analysis
for many parameters of the model and use the results for a feasibility study.
In this study, we test whether the model is suitable for predicting the extent
of contraction in different age groups. To this end, we conduct an extensive
literature review to find parameter values. From the sensitivity analysis, we
conclude that the most sensitive parameters are the equilibrium collagen
concentration in the dermal layer, the apoptosis rate of fibroblasts and
myofibroblasts, and the secretion rate of signaling molecules. Further,
although we can use the model to simulate distinct contraction densities in
different age groups, our results differ from what is seen in the clinic.
