Cohesive short-stretch vs four-layer bandages for venous leg ulcers

Abstract

Nurses today are employing more and more evidence base within their practice. This must be carefully balanced with their ability to offer patients choice about treatment options for venous leg ulceration. Knowledge of only one particular compression bandage system is inadequate for nurses working within this area. This article aims to examine the evidence base for the use of compression bandaging in the treatment of leg ulceration. It explores results of current randomised controlled trials in this area pertaining to four-later bandage (4LB) and cohesive short-stretch bandage (CSSB) systems. The advantages and disadvantages of the 4LB and CSSB are explored and application method of CSSB is explained. Concordance is and important issue that affects successful leg ulcer management (Moffatt, 2004a): if this can be achieved through offering patients choice of treatment bandages, then more successful treatment will be achieved for patients.