Pluronic F127 composite hydrogel for the repair of contraction suppressed full-thickness skin wounds in a rabbit model.

Hydrogels are commonly used as carriers for cell delivery due to their similarities to the extracellular matrix. A contraction-suppressed full-thickness wound model was used to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Pluronic F127 (PF127) hydrogel loaded with adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (AdSVF), mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSC), and conditioned media (AdMSC-CM) for the repair of wounds in a rabbit model. The experimental study was conducted on forty-eight healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits randomly divided into eight groups with six animals each and treated with AdSVF, AdMSC, and AdMSC-CM as an injectable or topical preparation. The healing potential of different adipose-derived cell-based and cell-free therapeutics was evaluated based on percentage wound healing, period of epithelialization, epidermal thickness, scar evaluation, histopathology analysis, histochemical evaluation, immunohistochemistry (collagen type I), and hydroxyproline assay by comparing with the positive and negative control. Collagen density analysis using different staining methods, immunohistochemistry, and hydroxyproline assay consistently showed that delivering AdMSC and AdMSC-CM in PF127 hydrogel enhanced epithelialization, collagen production, and organization, contributing to improved tissue strength and quality. Even though allogeneic AdSVF was found to promote wound healing in rabbits, it has a lower potential than AdMSC and AdMSC-CM. The wound healing potential of AdMSC and AdMSC-CM was enhanced when loaded in PF127 hydrogel and applied topically. Even though wounds treated with AdMSC outperformed AdMSC-CM, a significant difference in the healing quality was not observed in most instances, indicating almost similar therapeutic potential. The findings indicate that the wound healing potential of AdMSC and AdMSC-CM was enhanced when loaded in PF127 hydrogel and applied topically. These treatments promoted collagen production, tissue organization, and epidermal regeneration, ultimately improving overall healing outcomes.

Outcomes comparison of elastic bandage versus lower-leg cast immobilization after anterior talofibular ligament repair.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes between patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) undergoing arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair who received elastic bandage treatment and those who received lower-leg cast immobilization. METHODS: CAI patients with isolated ATFL injury undergoing arthroscopic ATFL repair from January 2017 and August 2019 were included in the study. The visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and during activities, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (Karlsson score), and time of returning to walk, walk normally, work and sports were evaluated preoperatively, and at 6 months and 12 months follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients were included in this study. Among them, 24 patients accepted lower-leg cast fixation, and the other 17 patients were immobilized with elastic bandage. Compared to patients with lower-leg immobilization, patients with elastic bandage fixation had significantly lower VAS during activities (P = 0.021) and higher AOFAS score (P = 0.015) at 12 months follow-up. The Karlsson score at 6 months follow-up were significantly higher in elastic bandage group than those in lower-leg group (P = 0.011). However, no significant difference was observed in time of returning to walk, work and sports between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Elastic bandage treatment was better than lower-leg cast immobilization in terms of eliminating pain symptom at 12 months follow-up, and improving ankle functional outcome at 6 months follow-up. Moreover, the present study emphasized that lower-leg cast immobilization offered no advantages in arthroscopic ATFL repair postoperative immobilization. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Elastic Banding Compression as a Novel Treatment to Maintain Hemodynamics in a Patient With Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is also associated with venous thrombosis originating from varicose veins in the lower extremities, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary hypertension. This study describes the anesthetic management of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a 54-year-old male KTS patient with orthostatic hypotension due to massive varicose veins in the lower extremities and pulmonary thromboembolism. Compressing the varicosities with an elastic bandage can maintain stable circulatory dynamics even under general anesthesia management to prevent position and insufflation-induced changes that can occur spontaneously.

Novel local therapy for post-injection haematoma in an athlete patient with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a new infectious disease characterised by thrombocytopenia and a bleeding phenomenon. The infection can be transmitted by contact with the athlete patient’s blood and/or blood-contaminated secretions. In clinical settings, nursing care of these athlete patients is inherently challenging owing to the risk of transmission of infection. CASE SUMMARY We report a rare case of an SFTS athlete patient who developed an injection-site haematoma (3 cm × 3 cm) with local oozing 72 hours after intradermal injection of piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodium. The treatment was aimed at stopping the bleeding, resolution of haematoma to relieve pain and prevention of infection to medical personnel. The athlete patient was isolated in a single room. An elastic bandage was applied locally to stop the bleeding, and the forearm was elevated. After the cessation of bleeding, freshly-cut thin potato slices were applied externally and wrapped with plastic wrap during the day, whereas 3M hydrophilic dressing was applied externally at night. With this treatment method (new triple therapy), the athlete patient’s haematoma dissipated and the skin healed after one week. CONCLUSION The novel triple therapy for post-injection haematoma in an athlete patient with SFTS was found to be convenient, safe and effective. (AU)

Effect of orthopedic elastic bandages on gait symmetry and walking ability in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term efficacy of orthopedic elastic bandages on gait symmetry and walking ability in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. MethodsFrom June, 2020 to June, 2023, 31 children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy from Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were randomly divided into control group (n = 15) and experimental group (n = 16). Both groups received routine rehabilitation, while the control group received routine walking training, and the experimental group wore an orthopedic elastic bandage for walking training, for four weeks. The indexes of gait symmetry of foot deviation angle ratio (affected/healthy), step length ratio (affected/healthy), gait line ratio (affected/healthy) and standing stage ratio (affected percentage/healthy percentage) were calculated before and after training, and they were measured step width and the optional and maximum walking speed of 10-meter walk test (10MWT). ResultsOne case dropped off in the experimental group. After training, the foot deviation ratio, step length ratio, gait line ratio, and standing stage ratio improved in both groups (|t| > 2.434, P < 0.05), and they were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.230, P < 0.05); while the optional and maximum walking speed of 10MWT improved in both groups (|t| > 9.186, P < 0.001), and they were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.278, P < 0.05). ConclusionWearing orthopedic elastic bandages during rehabilitation can promote the gait symmetry and walking ability of children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Effects of modified bandage on lymphedema and comfort of upper limb after breast cancer surgery / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of bandaging methods on breast cancer associated lymphoedema.Methods:By simple random sampling method, a total of 90 cases of breast cancer associated lymphoedema patients who received complex decongestion therapy in Hubei Cancer Hospital from May 2020 to My 2021 were randomly assigned to experimental group and control group, with 45 cases in each group. All patients received complex decongestion therapy. At the pressure bandage stage, the control group received figure-of-eight shape bandaging methods, the experimental group implemented modified bandaging methods: the figure-of-eight shape bandaging methods was used below the elbow joint, the spiral bandaging methods was used above the elbow joint. The arm circumference of affected limb, extracellular water/total body water ratio, general comfort questionnaire, bandage loosening rate as well as bandage loss was compared between two groups.Results:At 20 days after treatment, the arm circumference of affected limb in L 3, L 4 were (20.69 ± 2.06) cm, (25.76 ± 3.79) cm and extracellular water/total body water ratio was (10.15 ± 2.49)% in the experimental group, which were lower than those in the control group (21.97 ± 3.45) cm, (27.33 ± 3.25) cm and (11.67 ± 3.12)%, the differences were significant ( t=2.13, 2.11 and 2.56, all P<0.05); the physiological demension scores and total general comfort questionnaire scores were (11.07 ± 2.09) points and (81.71 ± 5.65) points in the experimental group, which were higher than those in the control group (8.36 ± 2.28) points and (77.29 ± 7.52) points, the difference were statically significant ( t=5.88 and 3.16, P<0.05). The bandage loosening rate was 2.2% in the experimental group, 6.7% in the control group, there was no significant difference between two groups ( χ2=1.05, P>0.05). The average bandage loss was (3.47 ± 0.53) rolls in the experimental group, which was lower than that in the control group (3.79 ± 0.40) rolls, the difference was statically significant ( t=3.28, P<0.01). Conclusions:Modified bandaging methods can decrease breast cancer associated lymphoedema, improve the degree of patient comfort and reduce bandage usage.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Two Elastic Bandages for Forearm Hematoma After Transradial Coronary Intervention.

Background: This study compares the efficacy of two elastic bandages in treating forearm hematoma after transradial coronary intervention. Methods: A total of 60 patients with moderate or severe forearm hematoma following transradial coronary intervention were enrolled in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups, as follows: an Idealast-haft elastic bandage group (the observation group) and a control group. The patients in the Idealast-haft elastic bandage group received compression bandaging with Idealast-haft elastic bandages and the patients in the control group received compression bandaging with Nylexorgrip elastic bandages. Observation indexes related to, for example, forearm pain, arterial pulsation, blistering, skin color, and hemostasis time were compared between the two groups. Results: The results revealed that the times taken for pain disappearance, arterial pulse recovery, blister disappearance, skin color recovery, and compression hemostasis were significantly shorter in the Idealast-haft elastic bandage group than in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The hematoma range and the arm circumference at the severest part of the hematoma decreased faster in the observation group than in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The Idealast-haft elastic bandage is more effective than the Nylexorgrip elastic bandage in patients with forearm hematoma following transradial coronary intervention and should therefore be used in such cases.

Observation of the Therapeutic Effect of Correcting Foot Varus on Improving Knee Hyperextension and Gait in Patients After Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to observe the therapeutic effect of elastic bandages on improving knee hyperextension in patients with stroke after correcting the foot varus. METHODS: A total of 45 patients with stroke admitted to the hospital from January to August 2019 were enrolled in the present prospective study. Elastic bandages were used to fix the affected foot in a mild valgus position. Before and after the intervention, the Noitom walking function evaluation system was adopted, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the 10-meter walking test were conducted. The gait speed, stride length, knee angle, and the number of knee hyperextensions >5° were selected as the results. The weight-bearing time of the affected leg was evaluated, and the changes in the control ability of the affected limb before and after the intervention were compared. RESULTS: It was found that compared with before treatment, the time of knee hyperextension was significantly reduced after fixation with the elastic bandage, and the knee extension angle was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). After the treatment, the gait speed was significantly higher than before the treatment (p < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in the stride length (p > 0.05). After the treatment, the time in the TUG test was significantly shorter than before the treatment (p < 0.05), together with an obvious increase in the weight-bearing time of the affected leg (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Correcting foot varus could improve the biomechanics of the lower limbs and improve the symptoms of knee hyperextension in patients with stroke, thereby improving the control ability of the affected limb and improving the walking function.

Isokinetic Strength Comparison of Tuberosity Fractures of the Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Treated With Elastic Bandage vs Cast.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the strength of injured and healthy ankle muscle as well as functional and clinical outcomes between patients with proximal fifth metatarsal tuberosity fractures who received elastic bandage treatment and those who received cast immobilization. METHODS: Sixty-five patients who presented to our clinic between February 2018 and April 2019 were randomly divided into 2 groups: 33 received elastic bandages (group 1) and 32 received cast immobilization (group 2). All patients were scheduled for follow-up appointments at our clinic after 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Visual analog scale-foot and ankle (VAS-FA) score, time missed from work, and using assistive devices were recorded as clinical outcomes. Both ankle plantarflexion-dorsiflexion and inversion-eversion muscle strengths (peak torque) were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer for each group and were compared with those of the healthy extremities. RESULTS: The mean missed work was 11.3 days in group 1 and 27.6 days in group 2. Groups 1 and 2 used assistive devices for a mean of 6.7 and 16.2 days, respectively (P = .001). Group 1 had a significantly higher VAS-FA score at the 2nd, 4th, and 8th week of follow-up compared with group 2, and no significant differences were observed at the time of injury and at the 12th and 24th weeks. The muscle strength deficits in group 1 were present at the 4th week, whereas those in the cast immobilization group were determined at the 4th and 8th weeks in all muscles. During the 12th and 24th week of follow-up, no significantly differences in both extremities were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: Elastic bandage treatment was better than cast immobilization in terms of preserving ankle muscle strength, clinical outcomes, and functional scores regardless of the degree of fracture displacement. Moreover, the present study emphasized that cast immobilization offered no advantages in this fracture treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, prognostic randomized controlled trial.

Effects of kinesiology tape after enucleation of mandibular dentigerous cysts.

OBJECTIVES: Kinesiology tape (KT) creates a pulling force on the skin, thus improving blood and lymph flow by alleviating hemorrhage and congestion of lymphatic fluid. The authors hypothesized that the use of KT could be beneficial for the management of complications after head and neck surgery and designed this study to evaluate the effects of KT on swelling, pain, and trismus after enucleation of mandibular dentigerous cysts with third molar extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients who underwent enucleation of a dentigerous cyst with extraction of the mandibular third molar were selected. The patients were randomized into two groups (n=20 each): a KT group, where KT was applied after surgery in addition to basic postoperative care, and a control group, where patients received basic postoperative care without KT application. Swelling, pain, and trismus were evaluated before surgery (T0) and on postoperative days 1 (T1), 2 (T2), and 3 (T3). Cyst volume, gauze weight for assessing bleeding, and operation time were recorded. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the two groups in the change in swelling up to T1 and the change in swelling between T1 and T2. The maximum swelling in the KT group was significantly less than that in the No-KT group and maximum swelling appeared faster in the KT group than in the No-KT group. Both groups showed a mild pain response but there was no significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference on interincisal distance change between the two groups. There were no correlations between cyst volume, bleeding, operation time, and maximum swelling. CONCLUSION: KT can effectively manage facial swelling after oral and maxillofacial surgeries such as cyst enucleation and third molar extraction, thus improving postoperative patient satisfaction levels and quality of life.

Kinesio taping use to reduce pain and edema after third molar extraction surgery: A randomized controlled split-mouth study.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating Kinesio Taping (KT) use to reduce pain and edema in individuals subjected to surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen individuals (5 men and 8 women, mean age: 23.25 years) were subjected to mutual extraction of two mandibular third molars based on the same surgical protocol and pharmacological approach. All individuals were subjected to kinesio taping application on one side of patients' face (test group - KT), in the immediate postoperative period. The other side of the face was not subjected to KT application, and it was used as control (No KT). An examiner assessed individuals' pain and edema based on the visual analog scale (VAS) and on the Todorovic-Markovic method, respectively, at the preoperative, immediate postoperative, and second and fifth postoperative days. Statistical analysis was based on the Scheirer-Ray-Hare test. RESULTS: Edema (48 h and 120 h after surgery) and pain intensity (24 h, 48 h and 120 h after surgery) were lower on the KT side (p < 0.05). Moreover, edema and pain intensity fully reduced on the KT side 120 h after surgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Kinesio taping adopted in the current study was effective in reducing edema and postoperative pain in patients subjected to oral surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: KT enables patients to experience a more comfortable postoperative period and helps improving their quality of life.

Effect of Compressive Low Elastic Bandage on Upper Limb Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Surgery / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the effect of compressive low elastic bandage on upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. Methods:From November, 2017 to December, 2018, 64 patients with upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery were randomly divided into control group (n = 32) and observation group (n = 32). Both groups accepted manual lymphatic drainage and low elastic bandage, while the observation group increased the pressure with sponge pads on the fibrous swelling site as bandaging, five times a week for two weeks. They were measured L-Dex with bioelectrical spectroscopy before the first treatment (T1), before the second treatment (T2), before the third treatment (T3), before the sixth treatment (T4), and 24 hours after the tenth treatment (T5), respectively. The arm circumference of affected side and un-affected side was also measured at T1 and T5. Results:L-Dex decreased since T2 in both groups, but increased at T4 in the observation group and more than that of the control group (t = 2.13, P < 0.05), and less than that of the control group at T5 (t = -2.29, P < 0.05). The difference of arm circumference between affected side and un-affected side was less in the observation group than in the control group (t = -3.78, P < 0.001)。 Conclusion:Low elastic bandage combined with lymphatic drainage technique can alleviate the fibrous swelling. On the basis of low elastic bandage with local sponge pad compression is more effective than simple low elastic bandage on fibrous swelling after lymphedema of upper limbs after breast cancer surgery.

Effect of elastic bandage on postural control in subjects with chronic ankle instability: a randomised clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To report the immediate and prolonged (one week) effects of elastic bandage (EB) on balance control in subjects with chronic ankle instability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight individuals successfully completed the study protocol, of whom 14 were randomly assigned to the EB group (7 men, 7 women) and 14 were assigned to the non-standardised tape (NST) group (9 men, 5 women). To objectively measure postural sway we used computerised dynamic posturography (CDP) with sensory organisation test (SOT) and unilateral stance (US) test. We analysed the following SOT parameters: the composite SOT score, the composite SOT strategy and the SOT condition 2 and its strategy. In addition, we studied the centre of gravity (COG) sway velocity with open eyes and close eyes during the US test. RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant effect for time in composite SOT score (F= 34.98; p= <0.01), composite SOT strategy (F= 12.082; p= 0.02), and COG sway with open eyes (F= 3.382; p= 0.039) in EB group and NST group. Therefore, there were improvements in balance control after bandage applications (defined as better scores in SOT parameters and decreased COG sway in US test). However, no differences between groups were observed in the most relevant parameters. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not observe differences between EB and NST during the follow-up in the majority of measurements. Several outcome measures for SOT and US tests improved in both groups immediately after bandage applications and after one week of use. EB of the ankle joint has no advantage as compared to the non-standardised tape. Implications for rehabilitation Elastic bandage (EB) of the ankle joint has no advantage as compared to the non-standardised tape. The effects of the bandages could be due to a greater subjective sense of security. It is important to be prudent with the use of bandage, since a greater sense of safety could also bring with it a greater risk of injury. The application of the bandage on subjects with chronic ankle instability (CAI) should be prolonged and used alongside other physiotherapy treatments.

A New Two Component Compression System Turning an Elastic Bandage into an Inelastic Compression Device: Interface Pressure, Stiffness, and Haemodynamic Effectiveness.

INTRODUCTION: Bandage application does not exert consistent compression pressure, leading to extremely variable compression when applied to patients. A new elastic bandage can exert a predefined pressure independently of healthcare providers and the size of the wrapped limb. The bandage system includes a series of non-stretchable patches that when applied to the bandage make it stiff. The aim of this work was to assess, in an experimental setting, the venous ejection fraction (EF) from the lower leg and the tolerability of this new bandage in a group of patients affected by superficial venous incompetence. METHODS: EF was measured using strain gauge plethysmography under baseline conditions and the bandage was applied with a supine pressure of 20 and 30 mmHg, with and without the stiff patches, in 25 patients with severe venous reflux in the great saphenous vein. The interface pressure of the bandages was measured simultaneously in the medial gaiter area. RESULTS: All patients showed EF values that were significantly reduced compared with normal individuals. Elastic bandages with an average pressure of 20 and 30 mmHg in the supine position achieved a slight improvement in EF, and, after applying non-stretchable patches on the same bandage with similar resting pressure, EF was restored to its normal range (p < .001). Improvement in EF correlates with the pressure differences between standing and lying pressure and between muscle systole and diastole during exercise. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that inelastic is much more effective than elastic compression for improving impaired venous haemodynamics. The test material can be applied with a predetermined pressure, which considerably enhances the consistency of application, and it is easily transformed into an inelastic system just by applying stiff patches without any stretch and without significantly increasing the comfortable supine pressure.

Self-Care-Based Treatment Using Ordinary Elastic Bandages for Venous Leg Ulcers.

Objective: We aimed to study venous leg ulcer (VLU) healing and recurrence rates of VLU using a self-care-based treatment strategy. Methods: The study included 36 patients (43 legs) who visited our clinic between April 2009 and June 2015 because of non-healing VLUs and who had been treated by us for more than a year (until June 2016). Patients or their caregivers were first provided instructions for performing the "no-intentional-stretch" bandaging technique using ordinary elastic bandages. Wounds were cleansed with tepid water daily, and bandages were re-applied by patients or their caregivers; this was continued until VLUs were healed. Compression was discontinued after healing, but was restarted if persistent swelling and/or dermatitis was noticed on their legs. Results: The median ulcer size was 6.5 cm2 (range, 1-105 cm2). The median number of clinic visits until healing was six (range, 3-35). The 6- and 12-month healing rates were 67% and 86%, respectively. Twenty (44%) legs required compression therapy after VLU healing. The cumulative recurrence-free rate at 60 months was 86%. Conclusion: Reasonable healing and recurrence rates were achieved by applying a self-care-based VLU treatment strategy.

Use of customised pressure-guided elastic bandages to improve efficacy of compression bandaging for venous ulcers.

Compression bandaging is a major treatment of chronic venous ulcers. Its efficacy depends on the applied pressure, which is dependent on the skill of the individual applying the bandage. To improve the quality of bandaging by reducing the variability in compression bandage interface pressures, we changed elastic bandages into a customised version by marking them with circular ink stamps, applied when the stretch achieves an interface pressure between 35 and 45 mmHg. Repeated applications by 20 residents of the customised bandage and non-marked bandage to one smaller and one larger leg were evaluated by measuring the sub-bandage pressure. The results demonstrated that the target pressure range is more often attained with the customised bandage compared with the non-marked bandage. The customised bandage improved the efficacy of compression bandaging for venous ulcers, with optimal sub-bandage pressure.

Effect of Kinesiotape Applications on Ball Velocity and Accuracy in Amateur Soccer and Handball.

Evidence supporting performance enhancing effects of kinesiotape in sports is missing. The aims of this study were to evaluate effects of kinesiotape applications with regard to shooting and throwing performance in 26 amateur soccer and 32 handball players, and to further investigate if these effects were influenced by the players' level of performance. Ball speed as the primary outcome and accuracy of soccer kicks and handball throws were analyzed with and without kinesiotape by means of radar units and video recordings. The application of kinesiotapes significantly increased ball speed in soccer by 1.4 km/h (p=0.047) and accuracy with a lesser distance from the target by -6.9 cm (p=0.039). Ball velocity in handball throws also significantly increased by 1.2 km/h (p=0.013), while accuracy was deteriorated with a greater distance from the target by 3.4 cm (p=0.005). Larger effects with respect to ball speed were found in players with a lower performance level in kicking (1.7 km/h, p=0.028) and throwing (1.8 km/h, p=0.001) compared with higher level soccer and handball players (1.2 km/h, p=0.346 and 0.5 km/h, p=0.511, respectively). In conclusion, the applications of kinesiotape used in this study might have beneficial effects on performance in amateur soccer, but the gain in ball speed in handball is counteracted by a significant deterioration of accuracy. Subgroup analyses indicate that kinesiotape may yield larger effects on ball velocity in athletes with lower kicking and throwing skills.

Comparison of two main treatment modalities for acute ankle sprain.

OBJECTIVE: Acute ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in emergency departments. Immobilization is widely accepted as the basic treatment modality for acute ankle sprains; however, immobilization method remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to compare two treatment modalities: splint and elastic bandage for the management of acute ankle sprains. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in the emergency department. Fifty-one consecutive patients who were admitted to the emergency department owing to the complaint of ankle sprain and who were treated with an elastic bandage or a splint were included in the study. After bone injury was ruled out, treatment choice was left to the on-shift physicians' discretion. The extent of edema was evaluated before and after the treatment by using a small, graduated container filled with warm water. Volume differences were calculated by immersing both lower extremities in a container filled to a constant level. Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale. RESULTS: There were 25 patients in the elastic bandage group and 26 patients in the splint group. VAS scores of these groups before and after the treatment were similar. Although edema size before and after the treatment were similar between the groups, edema size reduction was significantly more in the elastic bandage group [p=0,025]. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that treatment of acute ankle sprains with an elastic bandage was more effective than splint in reducing edema. Therefore, an elastic bandage could be preferred over a splint for the treatment of acute ankle sprains.

Elastic multilayer bandages for chronic venous insufficiency: features of our technique.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the interface pressure (IP) and stiffness of our elastic multilayer bandages (eMLB). METHODS: Three medical staff wrapped the legs of 10 healthy volunteers with one to six rolls of elastic bandages. The IP was measured at the medial aspect of the lower leg at the level of transposition of the medial gastrocnemius muscle into the Achilles tendon (level of B1) with the patient supine and then standing, for each number of bandages worn. The static stiffness index (SSI) was calculated as a difference between these IPs. RESULTS: The IPs in the standing position increased linearly for up to five bandages (21.8 ± 7.2, 32.5 ± 6.1, 41.8 ± 8.5, 52.0 ± 10.4, 60.3 ± 11.8, and 66.7 ± 13.4 mmHg, with one to six bandages). SSI also increased linearly for up to five bandages (6.8 ± 5.1, 10.2 ± 4.8, 13.4 ± 7.2, 17.4 ± 8.8, 19.7 ± 9.1, and 20.4 ± 9.4 mmHg, with one to six bandages). No significant technical variation in the IP was observed among the three operators. CONCLUSIONS: Our eMLB provided stable, predictable and sufficient IPs and SSIs in healthy volunteers.

Influence of nursing intervention on blood pressure change for patients with lithotomy position surgery / 中国实用护理杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of medical elastic bandage and passive lower limb movement on blood pressure changes for patients with lithotomy surgery. Methods300 cases of lithotomy surgery patients in our hospital were randomly divided into three groups with 100 cases in each group.Group A was taken with routine care as the control group.Group B was taken with the medical elastic bandage based upon routine care.Group C was given passive movement in the lower limb based upon routine care.The blood pressure changes for three groups of patients were compared. ResultsThe lower extremities flat blood pressure was significantly reduced for patients of group A.The average arterial blood pressure decreased significantly at the flat lower limb immediately and after 5 min.The changes were statistically significant compared with patients of group B and C. ConclusionsThe medical elastic bandages and lower limb passive motion play a role in stabilizing the blood pressure of patients with lithotomy position surgery,which is worthy of clinical promotion.