Measurement of Lower Leg Compression In Vivo

Classification of Compression Bandages: Practical Aspects

“…To counteract the increased intravenous pressure in the upright position, the interface pressure of a compression device should exceed 40 mmHg 7 . While in recent years, there have been several reports that have measured subbandage pressures in vivo, comparison between these studies has been compromised by the range of pressure measurement devices used in these studies, one further problem being the variability in sensor positioning upon the leg between studies 8 . Although comparison between studies is limited, one key conclusion can be drawn from the recent in vivo subbandage pressure measurements—that the subbandage pressure ranges reported for bandages that are intended to apply mild, moderate, and strong compression are clearly higher than the ranges given in BS 7505 3,4,9,10 (Table 1).…”

“…In Vivo Assessment Stiffness, which can be defined as the increase in subbandage pressure per centimeter increase in the circumference of the leg, 8 may be a useful parameter if used to define the elasticity of a compression bandage. The segment of the lower leg that will show the most extensive increase in circumference during standing and walking is the gaiter area (measuring point B1) 17,18 .…”

“…Several studies have demonstrated that the difference between the subbandage pressure measured in a standing and supine position is indirectly proportional to the stretch length of the bandage 2–4,8,9,20 . This difference measured in the gaiter area has been called the static stiffness index (SSI) 8 . The SSI may be taken as a useful parameter to characterize in vivo stiffness for all forms of compression bandages including multicomponent multilayer systems in vivo.…”

Hysteresis and medical compression bandage and stockings

“…the correct dosage for a given situation. [1][2][3] So: i) correct prescription of stockings would be facilitated if manufacturers would provide the hysteresis curves for each of their stocking's model; ii) such measures would also help avoid the use of compression class systems, which vary significantly from country to country. …”

Resting Pressure Exerted by Round Knitted Moderate-Compression Stockings on the Lower Leg in Clinical Practice—Results of an Experimental Study

“…Perhaps other types of compression stockings (tailor made, flat knitted) or other compression classes would have better compliance with the target compression pressure. The resting interface pressure determines the clinical effectiveness of MCSs less than the interplay between resting and working pressure and the stiffness of the stocking does 22,23 . Compression stockings of equal resting interface pressure but different stiffness can exert different working pressures and thus differ in terms of their effectiveness at treating edema, reflux, and venous hypertension in patients with chronic venous insufficiency 24,25 .…”