The influence of minimal-stretch and elasticated bandages on calf muscle pump function in patients with chronic venous disease

Objective: To evaluate the influence of minimal-stretch and elasticated bandages on calf muscle pump function in patients with chronic venous disease. Design: An open, randomised, crossover study. Setting: University Department of Surgery, Fremantle Hospital, Perth, Australia. Subjects: Twenty patients with chronic venous disease and recently healed chronic venous ulcers. Method: Five different bandaging regimens were applied on each patient, and calf muscle pump function was assessed by using air plethysmography. Results: There was no significant difference in the venous filling index (VFI) and ejection fraction (EF) between the five different bandage regimens, and also no significant difference in four of the five bandage regimens over a 7-day period (p>0.05). However, the VFI was significantly reduced and the EF was not significantly altered after the application of both elasticated and minimal-stretch bandages (p<0.05, = p>0.05 respectively). Conclusion: All the bandage regimens used in this study have a similar influence on calf muscle pump function, and may therefore have a similar effect on the healing of chronic venous ulcers.