BACKGROUND: Ischemic pressure complications associated with tubular gauze digital dressings have been occasionally reported in the medical literature. Previous authors have implicated specific mechanisms. We report a 10th case of this type of complication and hypothesize that a "Chinese finger trap" mechanism was responsible. OBJECTIVE: To compare pressures generated using different application techniques of tubular gauze digital dressings. METHODS: A simple device to measure dressing pressure was constructed. Comparative pressure measurements using different application techniques were obtained. RESULTS: Too many layers, excess longitudinal traction during application, using more than a 90 degrees twist during application, and rolled proximal dressing edges all increased measured pressures significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians and other health care providers involved in the application of these dressings should be aware of their correct application and the mechanisms that may produce complications.
BACKGROUND: Ischemic pressure complications associated with tubular gauze digital dressings have been occasionally reported in the medical literature. Previous authors have implicated specific mechanisms. We report a 10th case of this type of complication and hypothesize that a "Chinese finger trap" mechanism was responsible. OBJECTIVE: To compare pressures generated using different application techniques of tubular gauze digital dressings. METHODS: A simple device to measure dressing pressure was constructed. Comparative pressure measurements using different application techniques were obtained. RESULTS: Too many layers, excess longitudinal traction during application, using more than a 90 degrees twist during application, and rolled proximal dressing edges all increased measured pressures significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians and other health care providers involved in the application of these dressings should be aware of their correct application and the mechanisms that may produce complications.