Thigh-Length vs. Below-Knee Compression Stockings

Prevention of postthrombotic syndrome was similar with both types of stockings in patients with venous thrombosis, but adverse effects were less common with below-knee stockings.

The postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a serious complication of lower-extremity venous thrombosis (VT). It occurs in nearly 50% of patients with VT, despite treatment with anticoagulants, and is associated with persistent leg swelling, pain, and skin discoloration. The use of compression elastic stockings (CES) can decrease the frequency of PTS, but whether thigh-length (TL) CES are superior to below-knee (BK) CES is uncertain.

To compare the effectiveness of the two types of stockings, an international team of investigators conducted an open-label, randomized trial involving 267 patients with a first episode of VT. Of these, 135 were fitted with TL CES and 132 with BK CES. After an initial course of low-molecular-weight heparin, oral anticoa…

Reviewing Author

David Green, MD, PhD

Disclosures

EquityNovartis

David Green, MD, PhD

Disclosures

EquityNovartis