The Structure and Compression of Medical Compression Stockings.

Miloš Lozo,Ivo Lovričević,Zlatko Vrljičak,Željko Penava

doi:10.3390/ma15010353

Miloš Lozo, Ivo Lovričević + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15010353

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Abstract

This paper lays out standards of compression stockings and their classification into classes. The analysis of knitted fabric structure parameters, elongation and compression of moderate- and high-compression stockings was conducted. Stocking compression on specific parts of the stocking leg was measured on three sizes of a wooden leg model. For moderate-compression stockings, compression above the ankle was 32 hPa. For high-compression stockings, compression above the ankle was 60 hPa. Both groups of the analyzed compression stockings were made on modern one-cylinder hosiery automats. The legs of the stockings were made in single inlaid jersey 1 + 1. Both yarns were elastane covered. The finer yarn formed loops and its knitting into a course was significantly larger than in the other yarn, which was much coarser and does not form loops but “lay the weft in a bent way”. The smallest elongation of knitted fabric was above the ankle, where the highest compression was achieved, while the largest elongation was under the crotch, where the stocking leg exerted the smallest compression on the surface. The leg of the compression stocking acted as a casing that imposed compression on the leg and often reinforced it to be able to sustain compression loads.

Highlights

Contemporary humans do not seek only objective value, and subjective satisfaction in life
Elongation of knitted fabric on a specific leg part depends on the amount of elongation force, and the length of the yarns knitted into a course
The classic construction of a medical compression stocking follows the principle of the highest compression in the ankle area, which gradually falls toward the crotch

Summary

Introduction

Contemporary humans do not seek only objective value, and subjective satisfaction in life. Custom-made clothes have been around for a long time [1]. Modern technical and technological development has enabled the personalized production of clothes and hosiery, special purpose or medical (therapeutic) compression stockings [2,3,4]. Special purpose stockings are characterized by a specific construction and material composition. The production of good quality and functional stockings with a special purpose and construction is based on correct measurements of the leg the stockings will be used on [5,6]. Some parts of the stocking achieve compression on the leg of up to 67 hPa (67 g/cm or 50 mmHg, where 1 mmHg = 1.33 hPa) [7,8]. Hosiery compression on the leg, which is usually up to 13 hPa (10 mmHg), is considered small and not stated on hosiery [9]

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