The Effect of Closed-Suction Drainage After Total Knee Arthroplasty

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical comparison of closed suction drainage group and non drainage group after simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the thigh circumference, ecchymosis, wound infection, transfusion amount, knee score and range of motion in 100 cases(50 patients) done with PFC or PFC-sigma model between 1998 and 2000. Fifty cases of them(group I) were inserted hemo vac and the others(group II were not inserted hemo vac. RESULTS: The average thigh circumference in group I was 42.9 cm (preooperative), and 46.1cm (postoperative), in group II was 43.7 cm (preoperative) and 47.6 cm(postoperative). The knees that had no drains had a higher incidence of ecchymosis. However, the final result of knee score and range of motion of knee joint were not affected significantly by nonuse of closed suction drainage. There were no infection sign in both groups. CONCLUSION: The clinical comparison of closed suction drainage group and non drainage group after simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty was not significantly different in wound healing, clinical and rehabilitation course. The use of suction drainage must be carefully selected after primary total knee arthroplasty.