Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026
Quantifying Arms and Legs Contributions during Repetitive Electrically-Assisted Sit-To-Stand Exercise in Paraplegics: A Pilot Study
Published on: November 11, 2022
Impact of compression stockings on leg swelling after arthroscopy - a prospective randomised pilot study
Tina S Tischer1, Sebastian Oye2,3, Robert Lenz3
1Department of Cardiology, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
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).
Related Concept Videos
01:21Pilot and Numeric Relaying
01:23Muscles that Move the Leg
Anterior Compartment
The quadriceps femoris, the most visible muscle of the anterior compartment, is integral for leg extension and thigh flexion. It is formed by merging four distinct muscles — the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. The quadriceps tendon, a shared tendon of the four quadriceps muscles, is affixed...
01:19Impact of Groups on Groups
01:28Muscles of the Leg that Move the Foot and Toes
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment includes muscles that contribute to the dorsiflexion of the foot. This compartment houses the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus muscles....
01:11Assessing Blood pressure in the Leg
Preparation:
01:30Impact
When particles with different initial velocities collide, they induce deformation by applying equal and opposite impulses. At the point of maximum deformation, the particles move together with...