[Physical methods in the treatment and prevention of deep phlebitis of the leg]

By the term "physical methods" the author envisages primarily walking, wearing an elastic support, and rest with the legs raised. Physical methods for the prevention and cure of phlebitis were worked out by two French surgeons between the two wars but have been rapidly replaced by coagulant treatment. Now these methods have been reduced, in most cases, simply to a "fight against haemostasis" by means of verbal instructions and with no relation to the original methods : in many cases the methods are not known to the younger generation of physicians because they have not been taught them. Several factors are leading to renewed interest in these methods : on the one hand the undeniable dissatisfaction with anticoagulant therapy, and on the other hand the many experiments that, in the last 15 years, have led to an understanding of the mode of action of the physical methods. These experiments are reviewed in the present article. From the practical point of view, improvements in materials have led to improvements in the range of bandaging techniques. The authors looked back at the original publications, that is to say to the publications of Chalier and of Nard, who described methods, which have been much referred to, that were quite exacting. The different types of bandaging for the prevention and cure of thrombosis are illustrated by numerous pictures. In the curative treatment of phlebitis, there are three essential indications for the use of physical methods : contraindications for anticoagulants, their failure, and the prevention of sequelae. In the prevention of phlebitis, the raising of the legs when seated, a factor in a quasi-experimental stasis, must give way to mobilization - very early and very frequent walking. It is the opinion of specialists in phlebitis, who have used these methods over many years, that the physical methods, which are also physiological, are a valuable complement to biological methods. Their effectiveness is, however, a function of the rigour with which they are applied : --as regards degree : the support must be applied in the correct dosage, as, for example, must heparin and digitalin ; --as regards staff : the patient and his associates must collaborate closely, and nursing staff are indispensable ; --as regards skill : the faith of the physician alone can overcome the doubts or scepticism of others.