Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy-An International Journal

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Assessment of Inelastic Sleeves in Patients with Upper Limb Lymphoedema


Affiliations
1 Livre Docente of the Vascular Service of the Medicine School in São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Brazil and CNPq researcher, Brazil
2 Professor of the Lato Sensu Postgraduation Course in Lymphovenous Rehabilitation of FAMERP, Brazil
     

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Lymphoedema patients need mechanical help to complete removal of lymph from the tissues. The objectives of this study were to adapt and evaluate a fabric which would fill the basic requirements of compression, tolerability, easy to find and of a low cost. A new inelastic sleeve made from a type of polyester fabric called gorgurão was evaluated in six female patients with lymphoedema of the upper limbs. The sleeves always need to be well adjusted so that they act as a compartment limitation during exercises. A method to measure the pressure using a modified pressure apparatus was developed. This new fabric was compared with conventional dressings. The pressure variations during the flexion and extension of arm fluctuated from 20 to 60 mmHg with the sleeve dressings. The sleeves were very tolerable and reduced the measurement of the circumferences of the affected limbs 2 to 4 cms in three weeks of use. In conclusion, the sleeves made from this fabric with low elasticity are effective to reduce the circumferences of upper limbs with lymphoedema.

Keywords

Lymphoedema, Development, Inelastic Sleeves
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  • Assessment of Inelastic Sleeves in Patients with Upper Limb Lymphoedema

Abstract Views: 351  |  PDF Views: 0

Authors

José Maria Pereira de Godoy
Livre Docente of the Vascular Service of the Medicine School in São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Brazil and CNPq researcher, Brazil
Guerreiro Godoy Maria de Fátima
Professor of the Lato Sensu Postgraduation Course in Lymphovenous Rehabilitation of FAMERP, Brazil

Abstract


Lymphoedema patients need mechanical help to complete removal of lymph from the tissues. The objectives of this study were to adapt and evaluate a fabric which would fill the basic requirements of compression, tolerability, easy to find and of a low cost. A new inelastic sleeve made from a type of polyester fabric called gorgurão was evaluated in six female patients with lymphoedema of the upper limbs. The sleeves always need to be well adjusted so that they act as a compartment limitation during exercises. A method to measure the pressure using a modified pressure apparatus was developed. This new fabric was compared with conventional dressings. The pressure variations during the flexion and extension of arm fluctuated from 20 to 60 mmHg with the sleeve dressings. The sleeves were very tolerable and reduced the measurement of the circumferences of the affected limbs 2 to 4 cms in three weeks of use. In conclusion, the sleeves made from this fabric with low elasticity are effective to reduce the circumferences of upper limbs with lymphoedema.

Keywords


Lymphoedema, Development, Inelastic Sleeves

References