Clinical validation of a specially sized class II compression knee-sock for the prevention of recurrent ulcers in patients with chronic venous stasis (CEAP 5).

AIM: Patients cured of venous ulcers (VU) often suffer recurrences if they do not wear elastic compression hosiery. Unfortunately, only half of them can benefit of this treatment, because their leg proportions have changed, obliging them to order to measure products which are harder to find, and expensive. This study was designed to validate a class II elastic knee-sock (GGG-Ral standards) manufactured on the basis of the ankle and calf circumferences of recently cured patients.

METHODS

In all, 177 consecutive patients were given a sock that fitted properly, to be worn for 30 days. Numerical and analogue symptom scales and a questionnaire on clinical improvement have been used to evaluate treatment benefits.

RESULTS

Symptom improvements reached respectively 68% and 65% and clinical improvements 96% of the patients. Compliance was 91.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

Specially-sized elastic hose for patients cured of VU would serve to treat the large numbers who cannot use routine-production sizes, with improvements in compliance and clinical symptoms.