Thigh-length versus knee-length compression stockings for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in the inpatient setting

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis may be a complication of extended length hospital stays. Immobilized patients, such as patients in the postoperative period, are at particularly high risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis, which can be associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality. Due to this, prevention of deep vein thrombosis is of great importance in the inpatient setting. Compression stockings have proven to play an important role in prophylaxis and may be used in their knee-length or thigh-length variety. Although randomized trials have studied the efficacy of both varieties in prevention of deep vein thrombosis, selection is often made without regard to evidence. This meta-analysis pools the findings of current studies comparing knee-length and thigh-length compression stockings for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. A fixed effects model was used for this study with a two-sided α-error less than 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. When both varieties of compression stockings are compared, thigh-length stockings offer a risk reduction in deep vein thrombosis development when compared with knee-length (odds ratio 1.197, confidence interval 0.983-1.458). This, however, is an insignificant finding. This analysis concludes that current data does not favor either thigh-length or knee-length compression stockings when it comes to prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis.

Compression Stocking Length Effects on Oedema, Pain, and Satisfaction in Nursing Students: A Pilot Randomized Trial

“…In the current study, there were no statistically significant differences in pain, oedema, and satisfaction between the two compression stocking length groups. These results were similar to those of a study suggesting no differences in the potential prevention of deep vein thrombosis according to stocking length [ 18 ]. However, the current study results differ from the results of systematic literature reviews [ 19 , 24 ] demonstrating that thigh-length stockings were preferred and more effective.…”

“…Most studies incorporating different lengths of compression stockings examined the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. In one study, there were no differences in the prevention of thrombus according to stocking length [ 18 ]. Regarding studies examining ways to prevent deep vein thrombosis, a systematic review showed that thigh-length stockings are preferred and more effective [ 19 ].…”

A randomised clinical trial comparing the patient comfort and efficacy of three different graduated compression stockings in the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis

“…As was the case in the results of our study, the efficacies of knee‐length and thigh‐length GCS were reported to be similar in related meta‐analyses and systematic reviews (Loomba et al . , Sajid et al . ).…”

“…In a meta‐analysis evaluating the efficacy of two GCS in the prophylaxis of DVT, it was reported that no statistical significance had been observed between knee‐length and thigh‐length GCS (Loomba et al . ). And, in systematic review studies, it has been mentioned that both sizes of GCS had similar efficacies (Byrne , Sajid et al .…”

“…, , Loomba et al . ). It is known that, patient compliance as well as the efficacy of the GCS, is important in DVT prophylaxis.…”