Evaluation of Pressure Gradients and Variability Following Unna Boot Application

Abstract

The authors evaluated subbandage pressures generated by a standardized compression bandaging technique. Subbandage pressure was determined following paste-gauze appli cation to an artificial leg by use of air-filled bladders coupled to a pressure transducer. Mean pressures and ankle-to-knee pressure gradients were calculated. The mean vari ability in pressure at each position was also determined. Mean pressures in torr (±SD) along the leg are shown in the table (n=27). Mean knee pressures were significantly less than those at the ankle on the medial and lateral sides of the leg (P<0.004 and P<0.02, respectively). Variations in pressure generated by each wrapper over three trials were not significant. A three-layered compression bandaging technique was used to create a moderate pressure gradient from ankle to knee. The effectiveness of compression bandaging does not necessarily depend on the generation of high subbandage pressures.