Invented by Johannes Scultetus in c.1620 for post-surgery care of the abdomen. Later also adopted for post birth abdomen support. Multiple strips of bandages made of cotton and elastic are sewn together perpendicularly in the middle (Hajdu 6).
Scultetus Binder. Photo: Museum of Health Care.https://www.museumofhealthcare.ca
The many strips allow for the stomach to be accommodated without risking restriction of the area. The idea being that the bandages will hold the abdomen in place and allow for better healing. Major surgery on the abdomen means cutting through multiple layers of tissue, fat, and muscle that are sewn back together afterwards (Hajdu). The stitches on this opening are very likely to open again due to the amount of tissue involved and movement of the area can easily tear the stitches (Stephens 2026).
A traditional Scultetus binder next to a modern abdominal binder. Photo: https://ar.inspiredpencil.com/pictures-2023/muslin-binder-bandage
To apply the bandage, you align the sewn section with the back of the patient. Then starting at the bottom, you overlay the strips over each other, one by one, to secure them in place you pin it to the back. Every patient will have a different shaped abdomen so the key to proper placement is to adjust the binder to their body’s needs (Beveridge and Stephens 2026).
Modern examples of Scultetus binders. Photo: Marena Co. post-op essentials/ abdominal binders. youtube.com.
Application of Scultetus Binder. Photo: Oldfoolrn. https://oldfoolrn.blogspot.com/2015/08/scultetus-binders-and-intermittent.html
This binder is still commonly used today. Considered a helpful tool in obstetrics and surgery, the Scultetus binder or many-tailed binder is able to secure traumatized skin, tissue, and muscle in place until it can heal properly. Some modern versions are made with different material in order to cover a more niche injury or include fasters like Velcro for an easier application. Overall, the design and use for this binder has remained the same since its conception by German surgeon Johannes Scultetus (Hajdu 7).