ISCHEMIC COMPLICATIONS OF TUBULAR GAUZE DRESSINGS

BACKGROUND. Ischemic pressure complications associated with tubular ga uze digital dressings have been occasionally reported in the medical l iterature. Previous authors have implicated specific mechanisms. We re port a 10th case of this type of complication and hypothesize that a ' 'Chinese finger trap'' mechanism was responsible. OBJECTIVE. To compar e pressures generated using different application techniques of tubula r gauze digital dressings. METHODS. A simple device to measure dressin g pressure teas constructed. Comparative pressure measurements using d ifferent application techniques were obtained. RESULTS. Too many layer s, excess longitudinal traction during application, using move than a 90 degrees twist during application, and rolled proximal dressing edge s all increased measured pressures significantly. CONCLUSIONS. Physici ans and other health care providers involved in the application of the se dressings should be aware of their correct application and the mech anisms that may produce complications.