Effect of Compression Therapy on Postoperative Swelling and Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty

The number of severely obese patients who has knee replacement surgery is rising. Obesity increases the risk of the postoperative swelling. A complication which can cause pain and discomfort as well as complicate and prolong rehabilitation. The aim of the present pilot study is to examine the effect of a compression stocking on postoperative swelling and pain among patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2, after total knee arthroplasty. The hypothesis is that the use of a medical elastic compression stocking for 14 days postoperatively may reduce postoperative swelling by two cm. The pilot study will furthermore provide useful information for feasibility which will be used to decide whether or not a larger study should be initiated.