Stump Wrapping

About this topic

After a leg amputation, you will need to wrap the stump to help with healing. It is important to wrap the stump to help keep the swelling down and keep a good shape for when you get your artificial leg. You may need a helper for this if you are not able to do it by yourself. ‚

General

Practice good handwashing before unwrapping and wrapping your bandage.
Always wrap your stump diagonally instead of straight across the leg. This will help your circulation. Overlap the edges of the bandage as you wrap. Make sure you do not have any gaps or wrinkles. Use velcro or tape to secure the ends of the bandages. Do not use metal clips or pins.
Keep a slight stretch on the bandage when wrapping. Use slightly more stretch when you are near the bottom of the stump. Your pressure with the wrap should be more or the same at the bottom of the stump compared with the wrap further up on the stump. If the pressure is too high at the top, it can cut off blood flow and cause swelling.
The shape of the wrap when you are done should look like a cone. Rewrap the stump every 4 to 6 hours or when the bandages are loose.
Check your skin and cut site each time you unwrap your stump. Look for redness, blisters, or skin breaks. Let your doctor or therapist know if you have any problems with your skin.

Above-the-knee stump wrapping: ‚
Use two 6-inch wide bandages. ‚

Secure the bandage at your waist. Start with the end of the bandage at the front of your waist on the opposite side of your amputation. Loop it around the waist twice.
Loop the wrap down towards the bottom of the stump.
Loop back up around the waist.
Go back down towards the stump, overlapping by about an inch.
Go back up towards the waist and secure the end of the bandage.
Start the next bandage at the cross on the thigh.
Bring the wrap straight down over the bottom of the stump.
Bring the wrap over diagonally and lightly anchor the wrap straight across the thigh.
Come down towards the bottom of the stump and loop back up in a figure 8 pattern. Continue until you get to the top of the thigh.
Secure the bandage with tape or velcro.

Below-the-knee stump wrapping: ‚
Use one or two 4-inch bandages. ‚

Start the next bandage right below the kneecap.
Bring the wrap straight down over the bottom of the stump.
Bring the wrap over diagonally and lightly anchor the wrap straight right below the knee.
Come down towards the bottom of the stump and loop back up in a figure 8 pattern.
Continue until you get to just below the knee or middle of the thigh. Secure the bandage. Where you secure the bandage will depend on how far down the leg your stump is. If it is very close to the knee, you will need to secure the wrap on the thigh. If it is lower down, you can secure it below the knee.
Secure the bandage with tape or velcro.

Helpful tips

Hand wash your bandages with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry.
When wrapping, have the bandage roll facing outwards. It is easier to unroll the bandage this way when wrapping.
Make sure that your skin is clean and dry before you wrap the limb.
Gently massage your limb a few times a day to improve the blood flow in the limb. This will also help ease pain.
Keep slight tension while you wrap. If your stump hurts after it is wrapped, take the wrap off and put it back on again. The wrap may be too tight on your skin.

Where can I learn more?

Amputee Coalition of America ‚
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/care_of_wounds_first_step.pdf ‚
Society for Vascular Nursing ‚
http://svnnet.org/uploads/File/PatientEd/AmputationBk.pdf ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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