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Assessment and Management of Venous Leg Ulcers
La Place’s Law: The theoretical pressure produced beneath a bandage can be calculated
as follows:
P = 4630 x N x T
C x W
82
Where
P = sub-bandage pressure (mmHg)
N = number of layers
T = tension within bandage (Kgforce)
C = limb circumference (cm)
W = width of bandage (cm)
A bandage applied with constant tension to a limb of normal proportions will automatically
produce graduated compression with the highest pressure at the ankle. This pressure will
gradually reduce up the leg as the circumference increases.
Leucocytoclastic Vasculitis: A vasculitis that results from leucocytoclasis, which is the
disintegration of leucocytes.
Lipodermatosclerosis: Deposit of fibrin in the deep dermis and fat, resulting in a
woody induration (woody fibrosis) of the gaiter area of the calf. May attribute to the inverted
champagne bottle appearance of the lower leg.
Low Resting Pressure: When the muscle is relaxed, superficial veins are able to fill.
Lymphoedema: Edema and secondary skin changes resulting from lymphatic failure.
Maceration: The breakdown of the epidermis (skin) as a result of prolonged exposure to
moisture.
Malleolus: Ankle bone.
Malnutrition: State of nutritional insufficiency due to either inadequate dietary intake,
or defective assimilation or utilization of food ingested.