title: [The use of a closed-suction drain in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized study].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai 200003, China.
authors.forename: Kun
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tao
authors.forename: Hai-shan
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Xiao-hua
authors.initials: XH
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Qi-rong
authors.initials: QR
authors.lastname: Qian
authors.forename: Yu-li
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Yun-li
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Xiao-bing
authors.initials: XB
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Chang-ming
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Xu
mesh_terms: 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