Comparative Efficacy of Leg Pneumatic Compression and Antithromboembolic Exercise in Managing Lower Limb Edema After Total Hip Arthroplasty. Feasibility Trial

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a highly successful orthopedic procedure but, after the discharge, patients often develop a lower limb edema and impaired physical outcomes. Thus, the aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of a leg-pneumatic compression treatment on lower limb edema, range of motion and physical outcomes, compared to antithrombotic exercise and standard conservative treatment. We included 40 participants and assigned randomly to three distinct groups: the pneumatic compression group (PG, n = 14) the antithrombotic exercise group (ES, n = 14), and the standard conservative treatment (CG, n = 12). The CG underwent conventional venous thromboembolism therapy, while to the ES was administered, twice daily, a 30-min exercise session. In contrast, PG received a combination of pneumatic compression. We assessed the range of motion, physical and edema-related outcomes. The ANOVA analysis revealed a greater reduction both in the PG and in the ES of thigh (PG and ES p < 0.001) and calf circumferences (PG p = 0.023; ES p < 0.001) compared to the CG, but no difference in these parameters was found between the PG and ES. The changes in the other outcomes were similar between the three groups (p > 0.05). Pneumatic compression and antithrombotic exercises were more effective in reducing leg edema than standard treatment. While no significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups, the time required for antithrombotic exercises should be considered. For these reasons, pressotherapy is a valuable alternative for addressing lower limb edema after THA.