Authors' recommendations: The limited evidence from the few studies that have specifically compared the safety and effectiveness of knee-high and thigh-high mechanical compression devices in patients requiring thromboprophylaxis suggests that there is no difference between the two device lengths. The efficacy of compression therapy is dependent on duration of use and correctness of fit. Compression devices that are improperly fitted are not only ineffective, but can also increase the risk of DVT. Most of the guidelines emphasized the importance of patient compliance and having the devices correctly fitted by qualified staff. There is some suggestion that patients find knee-high devices more comfortable than thigh-high devices, but further research is needed to confirm this.The initial cost of knee-high mechanical compression devices is lower than for thigh-high devices, but there were no economic evaluations available to ascertain whether the lower capital investment is offset by costs associated with differences between the device lengths in terms of duration of hospital stay, medication use, and other patient outcomes.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/htis/L0043%20%20Knee-High%20vs%20Thigh-High%20Compression%20Devices%20final.pdf

Year Published: 2008

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)