Compression

摘要

Approximately 1% of people in the western world will develop a leg ulcer during their lifetime. The vast majority result from an underlying venous disease, which leads to coexisting venous hypertension. Management options include invasive interventions or conservative graduated compression, either bandages or hosiery, to the lower limb.Composition In the UK, compression bandages are classified as long stretch, short stretch or multilayer, and are applied over a primary wound contact dressing. A fourth option, Coban 2 (3M), is now available, which differs from the above systems because of the unique composition of its materials.Long-stretch bandages can be extended by more than 100% of their original length. They are highly elasticated and are applied at 50% stretch. They are applied over a layer of orthopaedic wool, thus comprising a two-layer system, or as part of a multilayer system. Long-stretch bandages provide compression when the patient is at rest, and expand as the patient mobilises.