Sizing of medical below-knee compression stockings in an Indian population: A major risk factor for non-compliance

Abstract

Background

The compliance to compression stockings in India is poor. One of the reasons is related to the inadequacy of sizing tables of compression stockings sold in India by western companies.

Methods

In 922 Indian patients, three circumference measurements of leg were taken in a standing position at different levels: Instep (level Y), Ankle (level B) and largest part of the calf (level C). We compared these measurements with the standard sizing tables according to the recommendations of the manufacturers’ sizing tables. The statistical analysis method: mean comparison of the circumferences was tested with the Wilcoxon test.

Result

The measurements found do not allow a satisfactory adaptation of compression stockings marketed in India by Medi®, Sigvaris® and Jobst®. The risk of threading difficulties is 15% with Medi® and Sigvaris® compression stockings. The risk of slippage is 61% for Sigvaris® and 48% for Medi®. With the Jobst® sizing table, no knitting makes it possible to reach a pressure at point C equal to at least 50% of the pressure of point B.

Conclusion

These data underline the need to adapt the measurements of compression stockings to the morphologies of patients' lower limbs in India, to improve compliance.