Open AccessCompression strapping: the development of a novel compression technique to enhance compression therapy and healing for ‘hard‐to‐heal’ leg ulcers
Author(s) -
Hopkins Alison,
Worboys Fran,
Bull Richard,
Farrelly Ina
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
international wound journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1742-481X
pISSN - 1742-4801
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-481x.2011.00819.x
Subject(s) - strapping , medicine , bandage , compression bandage , compression therapy , compression (physics) , surgery , audit , mechanical engineering , materials science , management , engineering , economics , composite material
Non healing wounds of the lower limb continue to be a significant issue for both practitioners and patients. Failure of gold‐standard management demands a creative response. This article describes the development of a novel and intuitive strapping technique overlying the compression bandage that appears to have an influence in healing complex lower limb ulcers. A retrospective audit of 17 patients with 25 ulcers allows further analysis and discussion. The strapping technique uses cohesive inelastic compression bandaging; narrow strips of bandages are layered in a fan distribution over the ulcer and oedema. This approach seems to offer an intuitive response to these complex wounds, allowing management to be tailored to the site of the ulcer and oedema. Tolerance for this less bulky compression therapy regime is excellent, thereby aiding healing and reducing all costs associated with non healing leg ulcers.