In vivo pressure profiles of thigh-length graduated compression stockings
Background The aim of the study was to assess whether the appropriate pressure profile is generated by thigh‐length graduated compression stockings in human subjects. The effect of leg posture on the pressure profile was assessed in three commonly used brands of graduated compression stockings. Meth...
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Published in | British journal of surgery Vol. 85; no. 9; pp. 1228 - 1231 |
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Main Authors | , , , |
Format | Journal Article Conference Proceeding |
Language | English |
Published |
Oxford, UK
Blackwell Science Ltd
01.09.1998
Wiley |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Background
The aim of the study was to assess whether the appropriate pressure profile is generated by thigh‐length graduated compression stockings in human subjects. The effect of leg posture on the pressure profile was assessed in three commonly used brands of graduated compression stockings.
Methods
The study involved 17 human volunteers from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Three different brands of stockings commonly recommended for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis were applied to each individual and the interface pressure profile under the stocking was measured. The effect of posture was assessed by comparing the interface pressure profile with the subject supine and in standing and sitting positions.
Results
Appropriate median pressure profiles were achieved only with the subject standing or supine. In the sitting position with the knee flexed, a high median interface pressure in excess of 28 mmHg was generated at the popliteal fossa. Overall, inconsistent performance was found in all three brands of stockings; fewer than 30 per cent of the pressure readings fell within 20 per cent of the ‘ideal’. Reversed pressure profile was observed in over 70 per cent of subjects.
Conclusion
Thigh‐length graduated compression stockings may be most effective in bedridden patients. Knee‐length stockings may be more suitable for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in ambulant patients. © 1998 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd |
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Bibliography: | ArticleID:BJS102 ark:/67375/WNG-X3DXP6XS-7 istex:8C30FEB922A567E1E059FED5C3FAB54BFDA62F74 ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
ISSN: | 0007-1323 1365-2168 |
DOI: | 10.1046/j.1365-2168.1998.00810.x |