A figure-of-eight bandage is a method of applying a gauze or elastic bandage that is used for various injuries on different parts of the body. It can fix the bones of the joints when they are damaged, dislocated or inflammatory. This technology is also called cross-shaped, since the bandage is applied in a circular motion and forms a cross. This technique is one of the most common because it can be used equally successfully on different joints and parts of the body.
Author of the article / Site experts Shulepin Ivan Vladimirovich, traumatologist-orthopedist, highest qualification category
Total work experience over 25 years. In 1994 he graduated from the Moscow Institute of Medical and Social Rehabilitation, in 1997 he completed a residency in the specialty “Traumatology and Orthopedics” at the Central Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics named after. N.N. Prifova.
Indications for use
The cross-shaped bandage is a universal one. It can be performed using gauze or an elastic bandage, depending on the indications. This technique is used in several cases:
- for dislocations of joints to fix bones;
- for open wounds in different parts of the body - a bandage holds the dressing material with medicinal drugs;
- with inflammatory processes in the joints, which are accompanied by pain and limited mobility;
- during the rehabilitation period after fractures.
To perform a figure-of-eight bandage, it is important to determine in what position the joint needs to be fixed. During the manipulation, the victim should not feel pain, and the joint should remain in the most comfortable position. The bandage is not applied too tightly to prevent pinching of small vessels.
Figure-of-eight ankle bandage
Indication: fixation of the ankle joint for injuries.
Equipment: bandage 5x10 cm, scissors.
Sequence of actions (Fig. 17) :
1. Sit the patient down, calm him down, explain the course of the upcoming manipulation. Place a sterile napkin on the wound.
2. Place your foot on a special stand (or chair), the foot should hang down.
3. Take the beginning of the bandage in your left hand, the head of the bandage in your right hand, bandage from left to right.
4. Make two securing rounds of bandage around the lower third of the shin.
5. Move the bandage along the dorsum of the ankle joint, around the foot, and return to the dorsum of the foot.
6. Make a cross and then onto the shin for a fastening round (when bandaging, the toe of the foot should be pulled towards the shin).
Note. If the patient cannot pull the toe of his foot towards himself, a medical professional helps him by applying a bandage.
7. Repeat, alternating moves of the bandage until the joint is completely fixed.
8. Secure the bandage with two fastening rounds around the lower leg.
Returning bandage on the hand (Fig. 18). Used to hold dressing material when all fingers or all parts of the hand are damaged. When applying cotton-gauze pads or gauze napkins to wounds or burn surfaces, it is necessary to leave layers of dressing material between the fingers. Bandage width – 10cm.
Having placed a napkin on the wound, bandaging begins with securing rounds above the wrist, then the bandage is passed along the back surface of the hand onto the fingers and with returning strokes they cover the fingers and hand from the back and palm. After which the bandage is applied in a creeping manner to the fingertips and the hand is bandaged in spiral rounds towards the forearm, where the bandage is completed in circular rounds above the wrist.
Rice. 18. Returning bandage on the hand
The patch on one eye is monocular (Fig. 19).
Indication: damage to the eye area, orbit.
Equipment: bandage 5x10 cm.
First, horizontal fastening tours are applied around the head. Then, placing a sterile napkin on the eye area, in the back of the head the bandage is drawn down under the ear and passed obliquely up the cheek to the affected eye. The third move (fixing) is made around the head. The fourth and subsequent moves are alternated in such a way that one move of the bandage goes under the ear to the affected eye, and the next one is a fixing one. The bandaging is completed with circular moves on the head. The bandage on the right eye is bandaged from left to right, on the left eye - from right to left.
| A | b | V |
Rice. 19. Eye patches: a – monocular patch on the right eye; b – monocular patch on the left eye; c – binocular patch on both eyes
The bandage on both eyes is binocular (Fig. 19c). Bandage 5x10cm. It begins with circular fixing tours around the head, then in the same way as when applying a bandage to the right eye. After which the bandage is applied from top to bottom to the left eye. Then the bandage is directed under the left ear and along the occipital region under the right ear, along the right cheek to the right eye. The bandages shift downwards and towards the center. From the right eye, the bandage returns above the left ear to the occipital region, passes above the right ear to the forehead and again passes to the left eye. The bandage is finished with circular horizontal rounds of the bandage across the forehead and back of the head.
General rules for overlay
The algorithm for applying a cruciate bandage will not differ in different parts of the body.
The procedure is not performed immediately after an injury if a fracture of the limb bones is suspected.
In other cases, the bandage can be applied as follows:
- the first two rounds of the bandage are fastening, they pass circularly above the site of injury;
- the next round goes obliquely in the direction below the injury site;
- the fourth round clasps the limb circularly and is fixative at the lowest point;
- Next, you need to apply several cross-shaped rounds and fix the end of the bandage.
At the end of the procedure, you need to check whether the bandage is applied too tightly. A finger should fit freely under the bandage. It is also not recommended to tuck in the free end of the bandage to secure it - this may interfere with local blood circulation. It is better to secure it with a pin or a special bracket.
Ankle joint
A bandage is applied to the ankle joint when its ligaments and tendons are sprained, as well as for dislocations and other injuries. Its main purpose is to prevent movement in the ankle and further tissue injury. The overlay mechanism is simple:
- the ankle joint should be immobilized at a right angle;
- the first round is located in the lower part of the lower leg;
- the second round is carried out along the front surface of the ankle;
- Next, you need to make a circular tour in the middle of the foot and continue to bandage the leg in a circular motion, changing the direction of the bandage each time.
This technique is also suitable for fixing medications and compresses.
The main thing is to secure the end of the bandage correctly, otherwise the bandage will not stick.
If you don't have a special staple on hand, you can tear the end of the gauze in half, wrap the limb and make a knot.
Wrist
A figure-of-eight bandage is most often applied to the hand when it is necessary to hold the dressing material. It starts from the upper side and ends near the growth line of the fingers. The material may cross over the back or inside of the hand, depending on the location of the injury. The fingers remain free; if necessary, you should use another method to fix them.
Wrist joint
Another indication for applying a cruciate bandage is various injuries to the wrist joint. Without this procedure, a person's wrist has a large range of motion and it is difficult to relieve stress from it. The bandage is applied in the same way as on the hand. To perform this procedure, you may need an elastic or gauze bandage, as indicated.
Collarbone
For clavicle injuries, a figure-eight bandage can also be used. Its first round passes around the chest, slightly below the armpit. On the other hand, it is attached to the victim’s shoulder area. For this procedure you will need a long bandage, and during this procedure you can place large cotton swabs in the armpits.
Foot bandage
The structure of the foot contains small bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons. They can be injured by careless movements, falls or bruises. Also in this area, wounds, burns and other violations of the integrity of the skin are diagnosed. In both cases, the technique of applying a cruciform bandage to the foot is suitable. It is performed in a similar way to that used for ankle injuries. Even if the ankle is not involved, the upper round is applied above it for better fixation of the bandage.
What is a Deso bandage?
The classic bandage is made from a bandage that is repeatedly wrapped around the arm, back and chest. In this option, you will not be able to swim, treat the skin under bandages, or change your underwear. The modern Deso headband is removable and made of strips of breathable hypoallergenic fabric with fasteners. With the doctor's permission, it can be removed for hygiene procedures or dressings.
A special feature of the bandage is that it “turns off” all movements in the shoulder joint. The shoulder is the most mobile segment of the body, because its movements occur in all planes. The Deso clamp eliminates excessive mobility in any direction to create maximum rest for the hand.
Indications for wearing, disadvantages and alternatives
The Deso bandage was developed for the treatment of some clavicle fractures, but is also used for other types of pathology. Effective, simple and inexpensive fixation is popular for a variety of shoulder and girdle problems. Most often, patients wear this product when:
- Fractures of the surgical neck of the humerus
- Fractures of the tuberosities of the humerus
- Shoulder dislocation
- Humeroscapular periarthritis
- Arthrosis of the shoulder joint
However, the advantage of the bandage is also its disadvantage. Complete restriction of movement in the shoulder is permissible only for a short period of time, otherwise adhesions will appear in the joint. The shoulder stops rising, and pain or swelling may increase. Therefore, the Deso bandage is prescribed for immobilization for up to 2-3 weeks.
The best alternative for long-term or short-term correct fixation of the shoulder is the so-called abduction pillow. This splint holds the arm in the most favorable position both for healing the fracture and for preventing adhesions. The abductor pad has replaced the Deso bandage and is gradually replacing it due to the absence of side effects and better results.
Method of application and features of choice
For fractures and after dislocations, the bandage is worn around the clock, preferably on a T-shirt or tank top. Fixation periods vary from 2 to 8 weeks. If your injury is not as severe, your doctor may allow you to periodically remove the brace to wash or treat your skin. Most often, the amount of movement allowed gradually increases as damaged tissue regenerates. To “free” the shoulder, the doctor may recommend removing the transverse belt or loosening the main one.
Modern Deso dressings are available at Medtechnika Orthosalon. Models vary in size. The consultant measures the length of the forearm, which is the main parameter for choosing the appropriate option. When purchasing from an online store, you can measure the length of your arm yourself, since in any case, each bandage is adjustable in length within several sizes.
The stores also have a large selection of related products for rehabilitation and rapid healing of fractures. These include massagers, electrical stimulators, and needle rollers. Consultants will answer any questions about the products, their use and care.
Advantages and disadvantages
The figure-of-eight bandage is applicable to almost all types of injuries. Depending on the material of the bandage, it can be used to immobilize any part of the body or to hold a compress on it. Its only drawback is that it is not suitable for large areas and long bones (the area of the lower leg, forearm, chest). To secure the bandage, it is necessary that it be held on the joint. The advantages include the following factors:
- simple application technique;
- no need for special equipment;
- can be used at home without helpers.
The figure-of-eight bandage is a method of applying a bandage, which is studied not only by doctors, but also in any first aid courses. In this way, you can fix the joint if it is stretched before visiting a doctor. The technique will not differ depending on the location of the injury. The main thing is that the bandage is not tightened too tightly and does not compress the blood vessels.
Detailed instructions for applying a figure-eight bandage
Any damage to the skin, be it a postoperative wound or an ordinary cut, must be protected from the penetration of pathogenic bacteria. Today, standard bandages and gauze cuts have been replaced by modern bandages-plasters. They not only conveniently attach to the skin, but also effectively protect the wound from infections, promoting its speedy healing.
Among adhesive-type dressings, there are 2 main types:
- bactericidal,
- adsorbent.
With the help of adhesive bandages, post-burn and post-operative wounds, trophic ulcers and bedsores, and other skin lesions that require healing are quickly and easily regenerated. The composition of the wound plaster is quite simple: in the middle of the base made of non-woven fabric with an adhesive layer there is an absorbent pad. Thanks to innovative “breathable” materials, the epidermis under the bandage is quickly and efficiently regenerated. Changing dressings does not cause any inconvenience - the hypoallergenic base easily separates from the skin without leaving marks or sticking to the wound.
At the first stage of healing, when exudate is actively released from the wound, absorbent dressings come to the rescue. For some types of wounds, it is not advisable to change patches frequently. In these cases, superabsorbent dressings are used. The sorption capacity of these dressings is such that the patch can retain a large amount of wound discharge for a long time without harming the affected surface. The gel filler contained in the pad effectively absorbs exudate, preventing its secondary contact with the wound and the possibility of infection.
As healing progresses, when the amount of discharge decreases, the newly formed tissues have a high risk of secondary traumatization. This is why it is important to maintain a moist environment under the bandage during the next stage of healing. Moisture is necessary so that the skin does not dry out, is restored without the formation of rough scars and is protected from external influences. Plaster-type bactericidal dressings based on non-woven material or polyurethane film effectively cope with such tasks.
For postoperative wounds and for injuries that have caused deep damage to the skin, bandages are applied in hospitals or clinics. For small, low-traumatic wounds, bandages-plasters can be easily used at home. To do this, simply remove the product from the individual packaging, remove the protective film from the inside and carefully apply it to the wound, combining it with the absorbent pad.