Myerson MS, Juliano PJ, Koman JD.
The use of a pneumatic intermittent impulse compression device in the treatment of
calcaneus fractures.
Mil Med 2000 Oct,165(10):721-5

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21218,
USA. elaineb@helix.org

To determine the effects of intermittent compression on foot swelling,
intracompartmental pressures, and hospital stay associated with acute calcaneus
fractures, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 55 patients between January
1990 and July 1992 whose management profile included preoperative use of an
intermittent compression foot pump and surgical treatment by open reduction and
internal fixation. Average times were: injury to admission, 6.04 days; admission
to surgery, 1.35 days; and surgery to discharge, 3.38 days. Hospital stay
averaged 4.73 days. In 27 patients with suspected compartmental ischemia,
admission and preoperative pressures in three compartments were averaged and
compared: 18.22 and 3.81 mm Hg, respectively (p < 0.001). The authors concluded
that the intermittent compression pump appears to rapidly reduce swelling of the
foot and decrease elevated compartment pressures associated with calcaneus
fractures, which may play a role in decreasing hospital stay.