Compressive Stockings Therapy After TKA

Effect of Compliance Controlled Postoperative Compressive Stockings Therapy After Total Knee Arthroplasty: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Due to swelling after total knee arthroplasty, postoperative mobilization and training is impeded in addition to higher pain level in patients. With postoperative compressive stockings to prevent oedema, haematoma and postoperative pain we would like to investigate if compressive stockings reduce postoperative swelling and pain and furthermore improve mobilization and knee function.

In this randomized controlled trial, 88 patients are randomized in two groups. One group receives postoperatively compressive stockings for a period of 6 weeks. The control group is treated without compressive stockings. The patients compressive stockings wearing compliance is controlled with a temperature sensitive sensor. The patients will be informed about the implantation of the sensor.

Outcome measures are knee- calf- and ankle swelling in mm, pain, WOMAC and KSS score preoperatively and at 12 weeks, 12 months and 24 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients receiving a total knee replacement
• Written consent of the study participant

Exclusion Criteria:

• Peripheral arterial disease II, III or IV
• Diabetes mellitus
• Systemic inflammatory diseases
• Benign or malignant neoplasms
• Revision interventions
• Right heart failure
• pulmonary edema
• Open / chronic skin lesions