[The use of a closed-suction drain in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized study].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of using a closed-suction drain in cemented knee arthroplasty.


METHODS
One hundred patients were prospectively randomized into two groups, one group underwent cemented total knee replacement with a single deep closed-suction drain, and the other group (n = 50) no drain.


RESULTS
The total blood loss was significantly greater in those with a drain although those without lost more blood into the dressings. There was no statistical difference in the postoperative swelling or pain score, ecchymosis, deep vein thromboses (DVT), time at which flexion was regained or the incidence of infection at a minimum of two years after surgery in the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence to support the use of a closed-suction drain in cemented knee arthroplasty.
Tao
Kun
K
Department of Orthopaedics, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai 200003, China.
Wu
Hai-shan
HS
Li
Xiao-hua
XH
Qian
Qi-rong
QR
Wu
Yu-li
YL
Zhu
Yun-li
YL
Chu
Xiao-bing
XB
Xu
Chang-ming
CM
D000368:Aged; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013396:Suction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods