Venous compression to prevent leg ulcer recurrence

In this new update of a 2000 Cochrane review, researchers evaluated the effects of venous compression (socks, stockings, tights, bandages) in preventing the recurrence of venous leg ulcers. A total of 8 studies were included in the review, published between 1995 and 2019. The studies compared different classes of venous compression over durations ranging from 6 months to 10 years. Class 3 compression stockings could reduce reulceration, compared with no venous compression over a 6-month period. Class 1 compression stockings had little or no effect on reulceration over 12 months, compared with class 2 stockings. No studies compared different compression locations (e.g. below the knee versus above the knee).