The effect of partial and full weight-bearing on venous return in the lower limb.

We studied the effect of full and partial weight-bearing on venous peak velocity in the legs of 73 subjects. We used colourflow Duplex ultrasound to determine the minimal amount of weight-bearing required to produce the same venous peak velocity as full weight-bearing. We found that the venous peak velocity remains the same in the femoral vein during partial weight-bearing (196 N and above). This is important for postoperative physiotherapy and thromboprophylaxis. The median peak velocity was 30 cm/s. This corresponds to an amplification factor of four in relation to the individual resting level (peak velocity). In addition, we found that partial weight-bearing at 196 N can reliably be reproduced. The median value of partial weight-bearing after a three-day training programme was 206 N.