Elastic bandage

Elastic bandage
US elastic bandage, used in Vietnam War Era

An elastic bandage (also known as an ACE bandage, elastic wrap, compression bandage or crepe bandage) is a "stretchable bandage used to create localized pressure".[1][2] Elastic bandages are commonly used to treat muscle sprains and strains by reducing the flow of blood to a particular area by the application of even stable pressure which can restrict swelling at the place of injury. Elastic bandages are also used to treat bone fractures. Padding is applied to the fractured limb, then a splint (usually plaster) is applied. The elastic bandage is then applied to hold the splint in place and to protect it. This is a common for fractures which may swell, which would cause a cast to function improperly. These types of splints are usually removed after swelling has decreased and then a fiberglass or plaster cast can be applied.

Due to the risk of latex allergies among users, the original composition of elastic bandages has changed. While some bandages are still manufactured with latex, many woven and knitted elastic bandages provide adequate compression without the use of natural rubber or latex. The modern elastic bandage is constructed from cotton, polyester and latex-free elastic yarns. By varying the ratio of cotton, polyester, and the elastic yarns within a bandage, manufacturers are able to offer various grades of compression and durability in their wraps. Often aluminum or stretchable clips are used to fasten the bandage in place once it has been wrapped around the injury. Some elastic bandages even use Velcro closures to secure and stabilize the wrap in place.

Aside from use in sports medicine and by orthopedists, elastic bandages are popular in the treatment of lymphedema and other venous conditions, for weight loss when applied as a body wrap, and rehabilitating injured animals through veterinary medicine. These bandages are often used as a method to compress breasts by transgendered people, for general cross dressing, acting and men with abnormally large or shaped chests to help create a more masculine body shape.

References

  1. ^ "elastic bandage". The Free Dictionary. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/elastic+bandage. Retrieved 2010-05-12. 
  2. ^ "ACE". 3M. http://www.acebrand.com. Retrieved 2010-05-12. "The ACE Brand bandage, invented in 1914 and an acronym for "All Cotton Elastic" ..." 

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  • Self adhering bandage — A self adhering bandage is a type of cohesive bandage or wrap that adheres to itself, but does not adhere well to other surfaces. Because of this, it is commonly used as a wrap on limbs, since it will stick to itself and not loosen. It is used on …   Wikipedia

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