Effects of drainageversusnondrainage after total knee arthroplasty：a randomized controlled trial

Ren Guo-qing; Liu Hong-yun; Teng Xue-ren; Zhang Hai-ning; Lu Jing

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2016.22.004

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Total knee arthroplasty had been generaly accepted as the final treatment plan, relieving pain and reconstructing function of knee joint. However, whether drainage tube can be used after replacement is stil controversial. <br> OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical effects of drainageversusnondrainage after primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty. <br> METHODS:Total 102 patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomly divided into 2 groups. In the drainagegroiup, a drainage tube was used. In the nondrainage group, <br> drainage tube was not used. Total blood loss was calculated by recording the hemoglobin and hematocrit before operation and that after 1, 3, 7 days of operation. The pain visual analogue scale scores, arthrocele, ecchymosis, infection rate, and deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity were examined and analyzed postoperatively. Knee Society Scores were recorded at 1 year postoperatively. Above indexes were compared between the two groups. <br> RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Total blood loss and blood transfusion rate were significantly higher in the drainage group than in the nondrainage group (P< 0.05). (2) There was no statisticaly significant difference in the pain visual analogue scale scores, arthrocele, ecchymosis, infection rate, and deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity between the two groups after replacement (P> 0.05). (3) No significant difference in Knee Society Scores was detected between the two groups (P> 0.05). (4) Results indicated that the total blood loss and blood transfusion rate may decrease significantly in patients without wound drainage after total knee arthroplasty. Limb sweling and ecchymosis area were not increased. No significant difference in infection, deep venousthrombosis of lower extremity and knee function was detectable between the two groups. Thus, total knee arthroplasty without wound drainage is safe and does not have obvious adverse consequences.