Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Timothy Brock, Andrew Sprowson, Michael Reed
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Background: Postoperative knee swelling is common and impairs early postoperative function following total knee arthroplasty. It was hypothesised that the use of a short-stretch, inelastic compression bandage would reduce knee swelling and improve pain and early function. The aim of this study was to provide preliminary data and test feasibility with a view to informing a larger, future trial.Methods: Fifty consecutive patients selected for primary total knee arthroplasty underwent distance randomisation to receive a short-stretch, inelastic compression bandage or a standard wool and crepe bandage for the first 24 h postoperatively. Study feasibility including recruitment rates, retention rates and complications were analysed. The Oxford Knee Score, the EQ-5D-3L index score, knee swelling, knee range of motion, visual analogue pain score and length of stay were compared between groups. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed adjusting for the preoperative measurement.Results: Sixty-eight percent of eligible patients were recruited into the trial. The retention rate was 88%. There were no complications regarding compression bandage use. There was a greater mean but non-significant improvement in Oxford Knee Score (p = 0.580; point estimate = 2.1; 95% CI -3.288 to 7.449) and EQ-5D-3L index score (p = 0.057; point estimate = 0.147; 95% CI -0.328 to 0.005) in the compression bandage group at 6 months. There was no significant difference between groups regarding knee swelling, knee range of motion, visual analogue pain score, complications and length of stay.Conclusion: Preliminary data suggests that the use of an inelastic, short-stretch compression bandage following total knee arthroplasty is a safe technique that is acceptable to patients. A larger, multicentre trial is required to determine its effect postoperatively.
Author(s): Brock TM, Sprowson AP, Muller S, Reed MR
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Trials
Year: 2017
Volume: 18
Online publication date: 09/01/2017
Acceptance date: 21/12/2016
Date deposited: 07/03/2017
ISSN (print): 1745-6215
Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13063-016-1767-5
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-016-1767-5
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric
