title: The art and rationale of applying a compression dressing.
abstract: Compression dressings are commonly used by medical and nursing staff to arrest bleeding in a trauma or first aid situation. Their use on surgical wounds may reduce blood loss, wound ooze and infection risk. We have seen variation in the techniques used by staff in our Orthopaedic department, often resulting in no compression being achieved. In this article we explore the mechanical rationale underlying a compression dressing, in order to facilitate the technique of its application. We believe better practice will improve wound management, reduce rates of haematomas and persistent wound ooze, and lower infection rate following surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, Manor Hospital, Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust, UK.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: David
authors.forename: Nitish
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gogi
authors.forename: Jay
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: Gunther
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Selzer
mesh_terms: D001458:Bandages; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D005392:First Aid / Q000379:methods; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D011312:Pressure; D053832:Surgical Tape; D013718:Tensile Strength