Thigh length versus knee length stockings in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis

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Abstract
Above-knee graduated compression stockings are effective in preventing postoperative deep vein thrombosis, but are more expensive and less acceptable than below-knee stockings. One hundred and fourteen patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were randomly allocated to wear above-knee or below-knee graduated compression stockings. Deep vein thromboses were diagnosed by isotope uptake in three of 56 patients (5·4 per cent) in the above-knee group and one of 58 patients (1·7 per cent) in the below-knee group. These differences are not statistically significant. Results suggest that below-knee stockings are as effective as above-knee in the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis.