title: Early trans-tibial oedema control using polymer gel socks.
abstract: The aim of this investigation was to determine if early trans-tibial oedema control, by polymer gel socks prior to the fitting of a shrinker, could enhance trans-tibial stump volume reduction. Sixteen (16) adults, following unilateral trans-tibial amputation, were randomly allocated into 2 groups and baseline volume measurements taken of their stumps. The control group followed the normal removable rigid dressing programme, while the experimental group wore a polymer gel sock in conjunction with the removable rigid dressing. When wound healing permitted fitting of a shrinker, use of the polymer sock was discontinued and a stump volume measurement was taken. The shrinker was worn for a minimum of 2 days before casting for a prosthesis and a final stump volume measurement taken. Volumes were measured by water filling casts taken of the stump and calculated as a percentage of the baseline volume and the rate of volume reduction calculated. Two t-tests for unequal variance (2-tail, alpha=0.05) were used to compare the rate of percentage volume reduction between the groups, for the trial period of baseline to shrinker fitting and baseline to casting. A statistical difference was observed for the period of baseline to shrinker exceeding the 95% confidence limit (p<0.05). No significant difference was detected for the overall period of baseline to cast. It was concluded that early oedema control by polymer gel sock could enhance stump volume reduction, prior to a shrinker. It was also found that no volume advantage was carried over to the time of casting for a prosthesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics Melbourne Extended Care and Rehabilitation Service, Melbourne Health, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Graf
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Freijah
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D000672:Amputation Stumps / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D001458:Bandages; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011108:Polymers; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting
chemical_list: D005782:Gels; D011108:Polymers