Impact of compression stockings on leg swelling after arthroscopy - a prospective randomised pilot study

Tina S Tischer, Sebastian Oye, Robert Lenz, Peter Kreuz, Wolfram Mittelmeier, Rainer Bader, Thomas Tischer, Tina S Tischer, Sebastian Oye, Robert Lenz, Peter Kreuz, Wolfram Mittelmeier, Rainer Bader, Thomas Tischer

Abstract

Background: Post-operative limb swelling may negatively affect the outcome of arthroscopic surgery and prolong rehabilitation. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of compression stockings versus no compression on post-operative swelling and pain in the early post-operative phase.

Methods: A single-centre, randomised controlled trial was performed. Patients who underwent minor knee arthroscopy were randomised to wear class II compression stockings (23-32 mmHg) (CS) or no compression stockings (NCS) immediately post-operatively for ten days. All patients received low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at prophylactic dosage. The primary outcome variable was post-operative swelling of the limb, quantified by using an optical 3D measurement system (Bodytronic© 600). Pain was rated on a visual analogue scale (VAS). From a total of 76 patients assessed, 19 patients were eligible for final analysis. The trial followed the CONSORT criteria, was registered at clinicaltrial.gov and approved by the local ethics committee.

Results: The circumference at the middle thigh (cF) was significantly different between groups at day 10 (p = 0.032; circumference - 1.35 ± 2.15% (CS) and + 0.79 ± 3.71% (NCS)). Significant differences were also noted around the knee (cD) at day 10 (p = 0.026) and a significant trend at cD and at the mid lower leg (cB1) at day 4. The volume of the thigh was also different with marked difference between days 1 and 4 between the two groups (p = 0.021; volume + 0.54 ± 2.03% (CS) and + 4.17 ± 4.67 (NCS)). Pain was lower in compression group (not statistically significant).

Conclusions: Post-operative limb swelling can be reduced significantly by wearing compression stockings in the early post-operative phase when compared to not wearing stockings. This may improve the rehabilitation process after arthroscopic surgery. The optimal duration of compression therapy seems to be between three and ten days.

Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT02096562 , date of registration 11.11.2013).

Keywords: Complications; Compression therapy; Knee arthroscopy; Post-operative swelling.

Conflict of interest statement

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The clinical trial was approved by the Ethical Review Committee of the University of Rostock (A 2013–0083) and registered using Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
CONSORT flow chart
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a) measuring device (Bodytronic© 600, Bauerfeind AG, Zeulenroda, Germany) b) circumference measurements c) generated 3D Model used for measurements
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Average change (%) in circumference at different measuring points after surgery in group with compression stockings (CS) and no compression stockings (NCS)

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