Compression Therapy and Orthopaedic Textiles
topic
Compression therapy textiles apply controlled graduated external pressure to limbs for treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), lymphoedema, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention, and post-surgical oedema management. Medical compression stockings (MCS) are circular or flat-knitted from elastane (140–550 dtex) and polyamide (44–78 dtex) yarns providing graduated compression from 15–20 mmHg (Class I mild) to 40–50 mmHg (Class IV severe) measured at ankle (RAL-GZ 387 or EN ISO 11612 standard). Compression bandages (cotton-elastane, width 8–12 cm, stretch 50–150%) deliver 20–60 mmHg depending on application technique (Laplace's Law: P = T/R where T = bandage tension, R = limb radius). Inelastic short-stretch bandages (cotton, <10% extensibility) work only during ambulation (muscle pump activation); long-stretch elastic bandages work continuously. Antimicrobial silver-containing compression hosiery (Ag 50–150 ppm) reduces bacterial colonisation in chronic venous ulcer patients by >3 log. Orthopaedic supports (knitted elastic, PP nonwoven, neoprene) provide proprioceptive feedback and joint stabilisation for ankle, knee, and wrist injuries. Global compression therapy market is valued at $3.1 billion.
Role
Compression therapy textiles are the primary non-pharmacological treatment for venous and lymphatic disease affecting 30–40% of the adult population, with precisely engineered pressure profiles delivering clinical outcomes — ulcer healing, oedema reduction — equivalent to pharmaceutical intervention at a fraction of the cost.