Thigh length versus knee length stockings in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis

Above‐knee graduated compression stockings are effective in preventing postoperative deep vein thrombosis, but are more expensive and less acceptable than below‐knee stockings. One hundred and fourteen patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were randomly allocated to wear above‐knee or below‐knee graduated compression stockings. Deep vein thromboses were diagnosed by isotope uptake in three of 56 patients (5·4 per cent) in the above‐knee group and one of 58 patients (1·7 per cent) in the below‐knee group. These differences are not statistically significant. Results suggest that below‐knee stockings are as effective as above‐knee in the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis.