This technique can be used to fix dressing and compression bandaging to the middle of the hand, the mid-foot, the ankle or the wrist.
If used as a support bandage the range of movement in the ankle and wrist joints may be limited.
Material
Roller bandage:
- For a child: 4-6 cm wide.
- For an adult: 6-8 cm wide.
Procedure
- Place the start of the bandage roll on the back of the hand on the index finger, in the direction of the little finger [Figure 59].
Figure 59
- Make two circular turns around the middle of the hand [Figure 60].
Figure 60
- Pass the bandage across the back of the hand towards the wrist [Figure 61].
Figure 61
- Make a circular turn around the wrist and place the bandage across the back of the hand [Figure 62].
Figure 62
- Make half a circular turn around the middle of the hand and pass the bandage towards the wrist.
- If necessary, fold the bandage over at the thumb, to prevent the tissue between the thumb and index finger catching [Figure 63].
Figure 63
- Repeat this figure-of-eight pattern between the wrist and the middle of the hand.
- Pass the bandage across the back of the hand to the wrist [Figure 64].
Figure 64
- Finish the bandage with a number of circular turns around the wrist and attach the bandage to the last circular turn [Figure 65].
Figure 65
The bandage has been correctly applied to the middle of the hand and the wrist if:
- The fingers and thumb remain uncovered.
- The bandage does not exert pressure on the tissue between the thumb and index finger.
- In the case of a wrist injury, the wrist and part of the forearm are covered with spiral turns [Figures 66, 67].
Figure 66
Figure 67
Variation
This description is meant for injuries involving the palm of the hand or the back of the hand. In the case of a wrist injury, the figure-of-eight turns can be limited, but a few additional spiral turns should be applied to the wrist and part of the forearm.
In the case of wound dressings or compression bandages, it may be necessary to fully cover the palm and area below the thumb. In this case, figure-of-eight turns should not only pass across the back of the hand, but also across the palm.
This should be done as follows:
- After a figure-of-eight turn, make one and a half circular turns around the wrist.
- This changes the direction of the bandage.
- Make a number of figure-of-eight turns.
- The original direction can be regained by carrying out another one and a half circular turns around the wrist.
