Effect of bandaging techniques on sub-bandage pressures in the equine distal limb, carpus, and tarsus.

This research explores the impact of different types of bandages on the pressure under the bandage in horses’ distal limb, carpus, and tarsus. It found that certain types of bandages maintain their pressure during movement, which could be beneficial for long-term bandaging.

Study Overview

Eight healthy horses were used in this observational study. There were six types of bandages (distal limb compression bandage, double layer bandage, inner sanctum bandage, carpal compression bandage, tarsal compression bandage, and adhesive elastic carpal bandage) applied to the horses in randomized order. After application, the pressures under these bandages were measured using a device called the Picopress compression measuring system. The purpose of this was to determine the bandage’s initial application pressure and any changes due to walking.

Results

• The distal limb compression bandage [DLC] and inner sanctum bandage [IS] resulted in higher mean combined pressures than the double layer bandage [DL].
• At the application, the carpal compression bandage [CC] created higher pressure compared to the adhesive elastic carpal bandage [C-ELA].
• CC and tarsal compression bandage [TC] pressures decreased after the horses were walked, while C-ELA pressures remained unaffected.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that making variations in the standard DLC did not increase sub-bandage pressures. This implies that customizing the DLC doesn’t necessarily offer benefits in regards to increasing the pressure exerted by the bandage on the horse’s limb.
• They found CC and TC pressures decreased quickly with walking, compared to stable pressures of C-ELA during movement. This makes C-ELA perhaps more suitable for long-term bandaging in horses, as they maintain pressure during movement.
• The researchers also advised against creating a slit over the calcaneal tuber in TC bandages, due to a rapid reduction in sub-bandage pressure, which may reduce the effectiveness of the bandage.