Two major compression therapy methods: bandages and medical compression hosiery
Today, two different types of compression products are used:
- medical compression hosiery (socks, stockings, tights and sleeves)
- bandages
Each product has advantages and disadvantages. It is therefore necessary to choose between these two types of compression system on the basis of the indications, treatment duration, patients to be treated, etc.
It is generally accepted that:
- for the early stages of CVD, the most commonly used and most suitable compression systems for long-term treatment are socks, stockings and tights for the lower limbs and sleeves for the upper limbs.
- for the most severe stages of CVD (especially in the event of venous ulcers and therefore the presence of a local dressing, and also to achieve a significant reduction in chronic venous or lymphatic oedema), compression therapy using bandages is more appropriate.
At present, there is no international consensus concerning the various classification systems for products in terms of pressure, which explains the considerable diversity in classes according to pressure levels in different countries, particularly for medical hosiery (Read more...)
Pressure classes for medical compression hosiery according to country:
| German standards (pressure measured at the ankle) |
| Class I | 18.4 - 21 mmHg |
| Class II | 25.8 - 32.3 mmHg |
| Class III | 36.5 - 46.7 mmHg |
| French standards (pressure measured at the ankle) |
| Class I | 10 - 15 mmHg |
| Class II | 15.1 - 20 mmHg |
| Class III | 20.1 - 36 mmHg |
| Class IV | > 36 mmHg |
| British standards (pressure measured at the ankle) |
| Class I | 9.7 - 15 mmHg |
| Class II | 15 - 20.3 mmHg |
| Class III | 20.4 - 36.1 mmHg |
| Class IV | > 36.1 mmHg |
| Project of European normalization (pressure measured at the ankle) |
| Class A | 10 - 14 mmHg |
| Class I | 15 - 21 mmHg |
| Class II | 23 - 32 mmHg |
| Class III | 34 - 46 mmHg |
| Class IV | > 49 mmHg |
From: Compression therapy International Consensus Document guidelines according to scientific evidence. Table 1.2 German, French, British and currently evaluated European standards. JP Benigni, F Vin. International Angiology: vol 23, No. 4: 317-345.
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