An integrated instrumentation approach to the study of wound healing

The authors have developed a system for monitoring pressure and skin temperature associated with compression therapy. The system was applied to investigate forces and skin surface temperature under the 4 layer bandage system in 5 healthy volunteers. At a position about 8 cm above the medial malleolus the authors observed a median pressure of 32 mmHg (range 27 to 40 mmHg), in the sitting position, and 40 mmHg (range 25 to 47 mmHg) in the standing position. Twelve minutes after bandage application there was an increase in temperature on the bandaged legs, median=+1.9/spl deg/C (range+1.5 to +4.3 /spl deg/C) and a decrease on the unbandaged legs, median=-0.7/spl deg/C (range -0.2 to 1.4/spl deg/C). The range in applied pressure and the variation observed with posture suggests that the mode of action of compression therapy may not be solely the result of the degree of compression applied. The increase in skin surface temperature may suggest a temperature related increase in skin blood flow. This study illustrates the advantage of combining results of the different investigations of pressure and skin surface temperature.