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International Orthopaedics
Published in: International Orthopaedics 5/2007

01-10-2007 | Original Paper

Are drains required following a routine primary total joint arthroplasty?

Authors: Skand Kumar, Subbaraju Penematsa, Sailesh Parekh

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 5/2007

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of suction drainage following primary total joint arthroplasty. We reviewed primary total hip and knee replacements separately and together in 126 consecutive patients. There were 63 patients each in the drainage and no drainage groups. Sex distribution and anticoagulant use were similar in the two groups. All patients underwent the same operative technique and method of closure. The mean postoperative fall in haemoglobin was 3.2 and 3.3 gm/dl in the drainage and no drainage groups respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to blood transfusion requirements, rehabilitation time, postoperative complications such as hypotension and wound infections (p>0.05). The average rehabilitation time in both groups was 8–9 days. The routine use of a suction drain is unnecessary after an uncomplicated total joint arthroplasty.
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Metadata
Title
Are drains required following a routine primary total joint arthroplasty?
Authors
Skand Kumar
Subbaraju Penematsa
Sailesh Parekh
Publication date
01-10-2007
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Orthopaedics / Issue 5/2007
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-006-0245-1

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