3. Postoperative drainage
The effectiveness of wound drainage following TKA is still controversial. Some authors
believed drains would reduce postoperative hematoma formation.(Drinkwater and Neil
1995; Holt et al. 1997; Martin et al. 2004) Postoperative drainage have been shown to provide
a better wound outcome in orthopedic surgery.(Berman et al. 1990) Serous discharge from
the wounds in TKA without drainage was a major concern of postoperative care.(Ovadia et
al. 1997) Using a drain theoretically decreased postoperative pain, swelling, and incidence of
infection(Kim et al. 1998).
drain have been reported in the literature. However, no consensus has been achieved to
date.
To clarify the role of drainage system after total knee arthroplasty, we conduct a review
process in the present project. A comprehensive search was carried out and the articles
regarding the drainage after surgery were reviewed. This review article focused on:
1. Effectiveness of postoperative drainage in TKA.
2. Safety and complications of postoperative drainage in TKA.
3. Effect of temporary drain clamping.