REDUCTION OF TAPE BLISTERS AFTER HIP SURGERY – A PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF THREE KINDS OF BANDAGES

Purpose Tape blisters after hip surgery are frequent. There are source of pain, an obstacle for rapid rehabilitation and an open door for infection. Previous studies have shown a reduction up to 10% according to the type of bandage. A previous survey in our hospital demonstrated more than 50% of patients presenting tape blisters with the use of Hypafix. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the prevalence of blisters with the use of three different kinds of bandages. Method Between April and December 2009, 150 patients admitted for hip surgery (THR, hip fractures) were randomized in three groups: Hypafix (control group), silicone gel (Mepilex Border), perforated plaster (Mepore Pro). Groups were similar for demographic datas and type of surgery. Main outcome is tape blisters during hospital stay. Additional observations were duration of hospital stay, costs related to bandages and nursing cares. Outpatient records were completed by nurses and patients and returned to research team after complete wound healing. Results 149 patients completed follow-up, one patient was excluded because of cancelled surgery. The blister prevalence in the silicone group is of 3% and significantly lower than the Mepore Pro (59%, p Conclusion The silicone gel bandage (Mepilex border) is associated with only 3% of tape blisters and really more effective than the two other bandages. It is even more effective than bandages described in the literature. It is also cost effective and doesnt require outpatient cares. The silicone bandage is associated with an important reduction of tape blisters after hip surgery, with the lower rate observed in the literature.