The active scar test: An innovative application of RAC/VAS signal for identifying scars associated with postural disorders in patients with chronic cervical and lumbar pain syndromes

The RAC/VAS signal is a technique, which belongs to the different methods of auricular diagnosis and is proposed by physicians working with Auriculomedicine. We applied a similar method on 132 actives scars carried by 67 patients with postural disorders associated with chronic cervical/lumbar pain syndromes. The Active Scar Test was performed on all visible scars using the light of a HEINE Finoff transilluminator (HFT). The decrease of the radial pulse amplitude, called RAC(-) signal, was taken into consideration in our study followed by palpation of the scar. Only scars, which showed an RAC(-) signal and which were sensitive on palpation were treated with neural therapy, which is the diagnostic and therapeutic use of local anesthetics. Two independent observers took the radial pulse on both sides and measured the following parameters of the RAC signal: its intensity (0 = no signal, 1 = light decrease; 2 = moderate decrease; 3 = evident decrease with the sensation of a collapse of the pulse); the number of pulses elapsed after lighting and before the onset of RAC(-); the number of pulsations during which the signal was perceivable. A third observer rated the sensitivity on palpation of the scar on a 4-grade scale (0 = no pain; 1 = slight pain; 2 = moderate pain; 3 = evident pain on palpation). RAC(-) signal intensity and sensitivity at palpation seem to be positively correlated and may be used in combination for identifying an active scar. In those scars (48.5 % of the total), in which the HFT evoked a bilateral RAC(-), the signal was perceived significantly more intensely, earlier and longer on the ipsilateral pulse than on the contralateral one.