Ischemic complications of tubular gauze dressings.

BACKGROUND

Ischemic pressure complications associated with tubular gauze digital dressings have been occasionally reported in the medical literature. Previous authors have implicated specific mechanisms. We report a 10th case of this type of complication and hypothesize that a "Chinese finger trap" mechanism was responsible.

OBJECTIVE

To compare pressures generated using different application techniques of tubular gauze digital dressings.

METHODS

A simple device to measure dressing pressure was constructed. Comparative pressure measurements using different application techniques were obtained.

RESULTS

Too many layers, excess longitudinal traction during application, using more than a 90 degrees twist during application, and rolled proximal dressing edges all increased measured pressures significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians and other health care providers involved in the application of these dressings should be aware of their correct application and the mechanisms that may produce complications.