[Compression stockings in treatment of lower leg venous ulcer]

of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of medical compression stockings, which do not require special application techniques, compared with short stretch bandages for treating leg-ulcers. STUDY-DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Prospective trial on a total of 50 out-patients with leg-ulcers randomly allocated into two therapy-groups: 25 patients got firm compression bandages using short stretch material (Rosidal K), 25 patients were treated by medical compression stockings (Thrombo+Sigvaris 503). Due to the statistically significantly lower mean age and longer duration of the ulcers in the Sigvaris-group only restricted comparison of the treatment groups is possible. Local dressings in both groups consisted of a nonadherent, absorbing material (Vliwin) with an individually modelled rubber foam pad on top. The end-point was complete ulcer-healing, in a period of 3 months.

The following parameters were measured: area of ulceration, compression-pressure, tcPO2 and Laser-Doppler-Fluxmetry at the ulcer border before and after 3 minutes of arterial occlusion, venous volume and venous filling index by air plethysmography (APG) with and without compression.

After 3 months 21 cases (84%) were healed in the Sigvaris-group and 13 (52)% in the Rosidal-group. This significant difference may be partly explained by the more favorable starting condition of the stocking-patients. However, one major advantage of stockings over short stretch bandages is the maintenance of an adequate pressure if they are not renewed for several days.

Therapy of venous ulcers by medical compression stockings may be an effective approach for fit and cooperative patients.