Impact of compression stockings on leg swelling after arthroscopy - a prospective randomised pilot study

27 patients scheduled for minor knee arthroscopy were randomized postoperatively to either compressive stocking use for 10 days or no compressive stocking use. The primary purpose of this study was to examine limb circumference and limb volume after 4 and 10 days postoperatively. Significant differences in favour of the compressive stocking group for percent change in limb circumference were observed for measurements taken at mid-thigh and the inferior pole of the patella after 10 days. In addition, percent change in upper lower limb volume favoured the compressive stocking group after 4 days. No differences between groups were noted in visual analog pain scores at 1, 4, and 10 days.