Classification of compression stockings: report of the meeting of the International Compression Club, Copenhagen

Abstract

The classification of medical elastic compression stockings (MECS) according to pressure classes varies from country to country and neither provides any information on the elastic property nor on the ambulatory interface pressure profiles of the different products. Beside elasticity, MECS are also characterized by other properties such as stiffness and hysteresis. Recent research showed that MECS behaved differently in static and ambulatory conditions. Since compression therapy is most effective during ambulation, MECS should be labelled in such a way that the user can interpret its effect during walking. The importance of a more rational classification of MECS was discussed at a conference organized by the International Compression Club (ICC) attended by medical experts and representatives from MECS manufacturers. Proposals were made for labelling the MECS according to the pressure and the stiffness in an internationally acceptable format printed on the box informing both the prescribers and the patients on its properties.