Controlled, comparative study of relation between volume changes and interface pressure under short-stretch bandages in leg lymphedema patients.

BACKGROUND: Pressure loss under short-stretch bandages (SSBs) is a well-known phenomenon and is thought to be related to bandage relaxation and poor quality of application. AIM: The aim was to demonstrate that therapeutically intended volume reduction of the compressed leg is the most important cause for the loss of bandage pressure.
DESIGN: This was an experimental, controlled comparative study.
METHODS: In 20 patients suffering from lymphedema of the lower extremities and in 9 healthy persons, lower leg volume was measured by water displacement. After application of a pressure measurement device (Kikuhime) at the B1 region, SSBs were applied on one leg according to a standard protocol. Volume and pressure measurements were performed at 0, 2, and 24 hours in supine as well as standing positions.
RESULTS: A significant reduction of leg volume is already achieved 2 hours after bandage application, both in lymphedema patients and in normal controls. A further volume decrease of the lymphedematous legs is observed in the following 24 hours after application of a new bandage (-290 mL). The volume reduction is associated with a significant loss of bandage pressure from initial values over 60 mmHg by 37 and 48% in controls and lymphedema patients, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Inelastic, multilayer, multicomponent compression bandages lead to an immediate reduction of leg volume, both in lymphedematous and in normal legs. This therapeutically intended volume reduction seems to be the main reason for the fast decrease of the subbandage pressure. This study was supported by Lohmann & Rauscher, Ltd. Germany.