In the UK an estimated 40 000 trusses are issued annually. The rate of
700 per million is higher than that presently found in other countrie
s and may be because of reduced access to surgery. Despite the high us
e of trusses little has been published on their effectiveness, complic
ation rates and value. This review summarizes current knowledge, and c
oncludes that further studies on the benefits and effectiveness of tru
sses need to be performed to enable patients to receive appropriate ad
vice and guidance.