Laplace's Law and Leg Ulcers

Laplace's law helps medical professionals treat leg ulcers.

Every year, 500,000 to 600,000 people in the United States develop leg ulcers, according to "Leg Ulcer Management." Doctors can prescribe treatment, including compression garments that are applied using Laplace's law.

Leg Ulcers

Leg ulcers are sores or wounds that develop below a person's knee. They are difficult to heal and may keep returning. They can be treated with compression garments.

Laplace's Law

Laplace's law is a law of physics concerning the internal and external pressure of a vessel, relating to the vessel's diameter. Medical professionals use Laplace's law to determine the correct amount of pressure a compression garment or bandage should put on a patient's leg.

Considerations

Not using Laplace's law can result in compression being too light to help treat leg ulcers or being too tight and causing damage to the leg through blood restriction, according to "Nursing Practice: Hospital and Home."

References

• "Leg Ulcer Management"; Christine Moffatt, Ruth Martin, Rachael Smithdale; 2007
• "Nursing Practice: Hospital and Home"; Margaret F. Alexander, Josephine N. Fawcett, Phyllis J. Runciman; 2006