On twisting bandages: an experimental study.

Abstract

Following hand surgery, some surgeons prefer to bandage fingers individually, a technique that involves twisting the material as the dressing is continued onto the palm. A laboratory study was performed to observe changes in tension which occurred when twisting a bandage already under load. Six commonly used types of bandage were studied, each of three standard widths. The rise in bandage tension due to rotation of certain materials may increase tissue pressure to a level at which skin perfusion is significantly impaired.