title: The Use of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression in Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Postoperative Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to carry out an up-to-date evaluation on the use of compression devices as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis methods in orthopedic and neurological patients.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  There is an increased risk of DVT with surgery, particularly in patients who are not expected to mobilize soon after their procedures, such as orthopedic and neurosurgical patients. Compression devices are often employed for DVT prophylaxis in these patients. However, the true efficacy of these devices and the standardization of use with these devices are yet to be established.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane library electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials and observational studies reporting on the use of compression devices for DVT prevention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine studies were included for review and meta-analysis. Use of an intermittent pneumatic compression device alone is neither superior nor inferior to chemoprophylaxis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the absence of large randomized multicenter trials comparing the use of intermittent pneumatic compression or chemoprophylaxis alone to a combination of both treatments, the current evidence supports the use of a combined approach in high-risk surgical patients.
authors.affiliation: *Physiology, School of Medicine, NUI Galway, Galway, Ireland †Electrical & Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering & Informatics, NUI Galway, Galway, Ireland ‡Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland §National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, NUI Galway, Galway, Ireland ¶Galway Clinic, Doughiska, Galway, Ireland ||Skin and ECM Research Group, Anatomy, NUI Galway, Galway, Ireland **Department of Surgery, NUI Galway, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: O'Connell
authors.forename: Khalid
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bashar
authors.forename: Barry J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Broderick
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sheehan
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Quondamatteo
authors.forename: Stewart R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.forename: Gearoid
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: ÓLaighin
authors.forename: Leo R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Quinlan
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D048228:Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D009985:Orthopedics; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control*