AIM: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: Therapy of venous ulcers by medical compression stockings may be an effective approach for fit and cooperative patients.

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