The effect of medium-tension bandage and stump stocking on residual limb maturation in earthquake survivors

Abstract

Background: Residual limb maturation is a crucial stage in postamputation care. Objective: It was aimed to examine the effect of medium tension bandages and stump stockings on postamputation stump maturation in patients who underwent lower extremity amputations. Study Design: In this prospective observational study, patients who were earthquake survivors and had undergone emergency amputation of their lower extremities were included. Methods: Medium-tension elastic bandage or personalized stump stockings were used for stump maturation. Residual limb volume was measured once a week for 3 weeks. Results: The study included 23 patients and 29 amputated limbs. Because of the larger stump volume of transfemoral amputations and the higher number of these patients in the stocking group (p < 0.001), the stump volume differed across groups before and during the follow-up (p < 0.001). There was no difference in mean volumetric measurement between the bandage and stocking groups over time (p = 0.272). Although the group interaction was significant (p < 0.001), the group × time interaction was not (p = 0.306). Conclusion: Medium-tension bandages and stump stockings had a similar effect on postamputation stump maturation in patients with lower extremity amputations. So, depending on the patient's and physician's preferences, both procedures can be used for stump maturation.