Ease of Application of Medical Compression-stocking Systems for the Treatment of Venous Ulcers

ObjectiveTo evaluate the ease of application of two-piece, graduated, compression systems for the treatment of venous ulcers.MethodsFour kits used to provide limb compression in the management of venous ulcers were evaluated. These have been proven to be non-inferior to various types of bandages in clinical trials. The interface pressure exerted above the ankle by the under-stocking and the complete compression system and the force required to pull the over-stocking off were assessed in vitro. Ease of application of the four kits was evaluated in four sessions by five nurses who put stockings on their own legs in a blinded manner. They expressed their assessment of the stockings using a series of visual analogue scales (VASs).ResultsThe Sigvaris Ulcer X® kit provided a mean interface pressure of 46 mmHg and required a force in the range of 60–90 N to remove it. The Mediven® ulcer kit exerted the same pressure but required force in the range of 150–190 N to remove it. Two kits (SurePress® Comfort and VenoTrain® Ulcertec) exerted a mean pressure of only 25 mmHg and needed a force in the range of 100–160 N to remove them. Nurses judged the Ulcer X and SurePress kits easiest to apply. Application of the VenoTrain kit was found slightly more difficult. The Mediven kit was judged to be difficult to use.ConclusionsComparison of ease of application of compression-stocking kits in normal legs revealed marked differences between them. Only one system exerted a high pressure and was easy to apply. Direct comparison of these compression kits in leg-ulcer patients is required to assess whether our laboratory findings correlate with patient compliance and ulcer healing.