Abstract
The use of foot pumps and graduated compression stockings have been shown in combination to reduce the incidence of thromboembolic disease after total hip arthroplasty. What has not been described is if there combined use is synergistic as all clinical trials use them in combination.
We examined the effect that wearing compression stockings had on the ability of foot pumps to accelerate peak venous velocities in the common femoral vein (CFV) of ten healthy volunteers. We measured this effect by duplex scanning the CFV under four conditions: foot pump on or off and stockings on or off.
The combination of foot pumps on without stockings led to the greatest increase in peak venous velocity. This represented a 34% increase in efficiency compared to not wearing stockings.
It is not known if this difference could account for a reduction in thromboembolic episodes, this could only be answered with a randomised clinical trial.
These abstracts were prepared by Squadron Leader G. Pathak FRCS (Trauma & Orth). Correspondence should be addressed to him at Royal Hospital Haslar, Gosport, Hampshire PO12 2AA.
