Classification of compression bandages: Practical aspects

H Partsch, M Clark, G Mosti, E Steinlechner, J Schuren, M (Martin) Abel, JP Benigni, P Coleridge-Smith, A Cornu-Thenard, M Flour, J Hutchinson, J Gamble, K Issberner, M Juenger, C Moffatt, HAM Neumann, E Rabe, JF Uhl, S Zimmet

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

198 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Compression bandages appear to be simple medical devices. However, there is a lack of agreement over their classification and confusion over the use of important terms such as elastic, inelastic, and stiffness. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to propose terms to describe both simple and complex compression bandage systems and to offer classification based on in vivo measurements of subbandage pressure and stiffness. METHODS A consensus meeting of experts including members from medical professions and from companies producing compression products discussed a proposal that was sent out beforehand and agreed on by the authors after correction. RESULTSPressure, layers, components, and elastic properties (P-LA-C-E) are the important characteristics of compression bandages. Based on simple in vivo measurements, pressure ranges and elastic properties of different bandage systems can be described. Descriptions of composite bandages should also report the number of layers of bandage material applied to the leg and the components that have been used to create the final bandage system. CONCLUSION Future descriptions of compression bandages should include the subbandage pressure range measured in the medial gaiter area, the number of layers, and a specification of the bandage components and of the elastic property (stiffness) of the final bandage.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)600-609
Number of pages10
JournalDermatologic Surgery
Volume34
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008

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