title: Is closed-suction drain necessary in unicompartmental knee replacement? A prospective randomised study.
abstract: In a prospective randomised trial we evaluated the use of a post-operative closed-suction drain in unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR). Seventy-eight patients were divided into two groups: one without a post-operative closed-suction drain (Group A) and one with a drain (Group B). Both groups were matched for age, sex and pre-operative haemoglobin. In group A we observed a lower day one post-operative analgesic requirement, smaller knee circumference 3 days post-operatively and less local wound complications. Drain usage in UKR resulted in no significant advantage in post-operative pain, range of motion and hospital stay. Post-operative drainage does, however, increase the cost of the procedure both in labour and equipment expenditure. No deep infections occurred in either group during the follow-up period. We conclude that avoiding post-operative closed-suction drainage in UKR does not influence the outcome.
authors.affiliation: First Orthopaedic Department, Centro Traumatologico ed Ortopedico (C.T.O.) - I.C.P., Via Bignami 1, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Confalonieri
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Manzotti
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pullen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D004322:Drainage / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D007717:Knee / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D006454:Hemoglobins