Myerson MS, Henderson MR.
Clinical applications of a pneumatic intermittent impulse compression device after
trauma and major surgery to the foot and ankle.
Foot Ankle 1993 May;14(4):198-203

Foot and Ankle Service, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21218.

A prospective study was designed to evaluate the effect of a pneumatic
intermittent impulse device in the treatment of postsurgical and posttraumatic
swelling of the adult foot and ankle. Two groups of patients and their respective
controls were studied. Group A consisted of 19 patients and 19 controls with
acute swelling of the foot and ankle after major elective or posttraumatic
surgery. Group B comprised 18 patients and 16 controls with chronic postsurgical
or posttraumatic swelling. The pneumatic intermittent impulse device was used
according to a predetermined daily regimen in both the control and experimental
groups. The control patients were treated identically, except that their impulse
device was modified to prevent effective compression. Reduction in swelling was
measured by volumetric analysis with water displacement at selected intervals for
each group. When compared with their respective controls, those patients who used
an active impulse device had a statistically significant reduction in swelling.
We conclude that this device is effective in the control of both acute and
chronic swelling after trauma and surgery of the foot and ankle.