Abstract
Background: Elastic stockings (ESs) are used for compression therapy, but medical device-related pressure ulcers (MDRPUs) due to ESs (ESRPUs) have been reported. Objective: To clarify the morphological characteristics and factors related to the occurrence of ESRPUs. Method: A qualitative descriptive study was implemented. The setting was a 606-bed university hospital in Japan from 2006 to 2012. The morphological characteristics were analyzed by qualitative descriptions from photographs of hospital-acquired ESRPUs. Factors associated with the occurrence of ESRPUs were analyzed using the medical records. Results: Twenty-four ESRPUs in nine patients were analyzed. The ESRPUs were divided three variables: location, shape, and distribution. Locations were divided into protruding regions (Protrusion) such as bones and tendons, movable regions (Joint) such as joints, and soft regions (Soft). The shapes were irregular, linear, and round. All ESRPUs in the Soft were linear (n=5), and ESRPUs in the Protrusion and the Joint were found irregular (n=12) . BMI was higher than the median in 75% of those with soft region ESRPUs, and thigh-length stocking type was found the only in this region. Patients in the Protrusion exhibited peripheral circulatory insufficiency. Discussion: The region of the Soft and the
Joint were a characteristic of ESRPU that was not found in pressure ulcers of its own weight. Linear ESRPUs were considered to be related to BMI and ES length. Conclusion: Location, shape, and distribution were morphological characteristics, and linear shapes were feature in soft regions. ESRPU-related factors were considered BMI, ES length, and peripheral circulatory insufficiency.
