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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Should knee-length replace thigh-length graduated compression stockings in the prevention of deep-vein thrombosis?
M F Hameed1, D J Browse, E J Immelman
1Colorectal and Vascular Surgery Units, Department of Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town.
Objective:
To compare knee-length with thigh-length graduated compression stockings for correct application and rate of compliance when they are prescribed for the prevention of deep-vein thrombosis in surgical patients.
Methodology:
Patients who were prescribed graduated compression stockings were prospectively studied in three surgical units at Groote Schuur Hospital from February to June 1997. Knee-length stockings were prescribed in the colorectal unit, while the thigh-length variety were prescribed in the hepatobiliary and trauma units. Patients were observed for the correct application and size of stockings, and the presence of compression bands. A total of 72 patients were studied.
Results:
One patient in the knee-length group and 7 patients in the thigh-length group were not wearing their stockings. Twenty-one of 30 patients (70%) in the knee-length group and 15 of 42 (35.7%) in the thigh-length group had correctly applied stockings (P = 0.009).
Conclusions:
Knee-length are more likely to be correctly applied than thigh-length stockings. Knee-length should replace thigh-length stockings in general surgical patients.
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