Comparison of closed-suction drainage and no drainage after primary total knee arthroplasty
Holt, B.T.; Parks, N.L.; Engh, G.A.; Lawrence, J.M.
Orthopedics 20(12) 1121-1124; Discussion: 1124-1125
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0147-7447
PMID: 9415907
Accession: 045590876
One hundred thirty-six primary total knee arthroplasty patients were randomized for the use of closed-suction, nonreinfusable wound drains. Blood loss was identical in the drained and undrained groups. Forty percent of undrained wounds compared with 0% of drained wounds required dressing reinforcement. Sixty-nine percent of undrained wounds compared with 39% of drained wounds developed ecchymosis, measuring 92 cm2 in the undrained group and 28 cm2 in the drained group. This study concludes that a simple wound drain effectively minimizes the undesirable accumulation of blood in the surrounding soft tissues and the postoperative wound dressing after total knee arthroplasty.