Surgery, with Special Reference to PodiatryStern, Maximilian
Science
Surgery, with Special Reference to Podiatry
Stern, Maximilian
Foot -- Surgery; Surgery
When the granulations are almost on a level with the surrounding skin,
and also when there is considerable thickening of the edges of the
ulcer, the best means of keeping up an even pressure and causing
absorption of the thickened margins, as well as of hastening the
epithelial growth, is to apply zinc oxide adhesive plaster in strips,
one-half to one inch in width. These strips should overlap to the
extent of about one-third of their width; should extend about
three-fourths of the way around the limb, and should be evenly and
smoothly applied. They should be started about one inch below the
ulcer and should run from two to three inches above it.
+BANDAGING+
+Bandaging of Leg.+ The final stage after the dressing has been put on,
consists in the application of the bandage. A bandage possesses
advantages over strapping in being less irritating to the skin; in
being more quickly put on and taken off; in being more easily removed
without disturbing the surface, and in more completely allowing the
formation of the granulations.
The bandage is also superior to a laced stocking, as the latter does
not properly embrace the foot.
The bandage material can be either gauze, muslin or flannel. The last
is considered the best because this material is thin, yielding and
elastic and yet almost any degree of compression can be exercised with
it.
In edematous swelling in general, the flannel appears very suitable,
as it is soft to the skin and accommodates itself to the greater or
less distension of the limb, arising from the increase or diminution
of the fluid. The bandage should be at least six yards long, if
required for an ordinary adult, and the width should be from two to
three inches. Every portion of the limb, from the toes to the knees,
should be equally and evenly compressed. Compression is of such
absolute importance that without it everything else will be
comparatively ineffectual. This being so, very much will depend on the
manner in which the bandage is employed.
Without practice, it is not easy to properly apply a bandage to the
leg, and probably this difficulty is the chief reason why preference
is often given to adhesive plaster, as this sticks wherever it is put.
The blistering and excoriation often produced by strapping, and the
time consumed in its application, are sufficient reasons for acquiring
skill in the art of bandaging; an art whose comforts and advantages
are appreciated by the patient.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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