<qa>  How many patients would be randomised over the course of two years?Previous studies looking at compression stockings have shown drop out rates close to 37 at 3 months10. Therefore, if we estimate a drop out rate of about 40 by 6 months, we would need to recruit at least 180 patients. If we recruit at least 2 patients per week, this will be approximately a total of 208 patients that could potentially be randomised over the course of two years. 