Effects of Compression Intervention on the Thigh Using Elastic Bandage on Lateral Femoral Pain After Trochanteric Fractures: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

A trochanteric fracture is one type of hip fracture. Management of postoperative pain after trochanteric fracture that is caused by decreased gliding between tissues in the lateral thigh is not established. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of compression of the thigh using an elastic bandage on trochanteric fracture after surgery. Multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted in collaboration with the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit (sub-acute rehabilitation Unit) in two hospitals. Eligible volunteers ( n = 34) with trochanteric fractures after surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. In the treatment group, participants practiced standing and walking under compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage. The control group was blinded to the intervention and practiced standing and walking under non-compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage. Both groups underwent a standard physical therapy program 2 times a day, daily. Two-way repeated measures of ANOVA showed significant main effect between the groups for gliding between tissue ( p < .001), lateral femoral pain ( p < .001), subcutaneous tissue thickness ( p = .044). Compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage significantly improved subcutaneous tissue thickness, gliding between tissues, lateral thigh pain. Gait velocity improved with these functional improvements.