Assessment of the accuracy of Laplace's law in predicting interface pressure generated by compressive garment used for medical applications

Compression therapy is the foundation of phlebological therapy. Its efficacy is highly dependent on the level of pressure applied on the leg. In most related researches, Laplace's law has been used as a predictor equation of interface pressure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of Laplace's law using two types of knitted compressive garments. The experimental pressure values are obtained using a developed experimental device based on a force-pressure sensor. The obtained results indicate that there is a significant difference between the measured interface pressure values and the predicted ones. Thus, the accuracy of Laplace's law was proven to be insufficient to predict interface pressure.