The results of a new study conducted in England examined the use of compression stockings in comparison to compression bandages on patients with leg ulcers as a result of venous issues.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of using two layers of compression hosiery versus four-layer bandages from a clinical as well as economical point of view.

This controlled trial was performed by researchers of the universities of Manchester and York in Great Britain and the project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research.

Compression Stockings May Be A Viable Alternative In The Treatment Of Leg Ulcers

The take away from the study was that the healing times for patients using compression stockings versus those with the standard treatment option of compression bandages was nearly identical.  To be exact the median healing time for patients fitted with compression stockings was 99 days whereas the curative time for patients using 4-layer bandages was 98 days on average.

This concludes that the two layers of compression hose were just as effective as the four-layer bandages throughout the healing process of the leg vein ulcers.  One of the major advantages of the compression stockings over the compression bandages is that the former are much easier to apply and can therefore provide a much greater degree of independence for the patient.

However, it should also be noted that not all participants in the trial liked wearing compression stockings, which resulted in more of the individuals with compression stockings opting to switch to another treatment method than those wearing compression bandages.

The complete details of the article can be found in  The Lancet

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