Successful treatment of hard-to-heal leg ulcers with an adjustable, inelastic compression system

This study aimed to evaluate the experiences of patients with hard-to-heal (chronic) leg ulcers (LUs) whose lesions were treated with an inelastic, adjustable compression system (ACS). The specific goal was to evaluate the impact of an ACS on wound healing, patient quality of life (QoL) and self-management.

In this prospective, single-centre observational study, patients who presented with either unilateral or bilateral hard-to-heal LUs received treatment with an ACS. The study included patients diagnosed with venous leg ulcers, ulcers of unknown origin or of mixed aetiology, and ulcers that developed secondary to peripheral arterial disease. The size of the wound area was measured at regular intervals-within 30 days after the initiation of treatment and again after three months. Patient satisfaction, QoL and capacity for self-management were evaluated via a follow-up questionnaire.

A total of 39 patients (with a combined total of 79 wounds) were included in the study (27 female and 12 male). Mean wound surface area decreased significantly from 8.71cm² to 4.32cm² within 30 days (p<0.001). Complete ulcer healing was achieved in 52% (41/79) wounds. Almost all patients who wore the compression system reported that they used it on a regular basis; 61% of patients reported that the ACS was easy to self-apply and 58% noted an improved QoL.

The use of the ACS led to significant improvements in wound healing that were associated with improved patient adherence, concordance and QoL. The use of this system may also lead to considerable cost-reductions for hard-to-heal LU treatment.