Role of Suction Drain after Knee Arthroplasty in the Tranexamic Acid Era: A Randomized Controlled Study

Optimised fast-track protocols in total knee arthroplasty determine shorter hospitalisation time and lower perioperative/postoperative complications

PURPOSE

This literature review aims to present evidence-based clinical recommendations for the eight most debated topics related to perioperative management in total knee arthroplasty: counselling, prehabilitation, transfusion risk, tranexamic acid, drainage, analgesia, urinary catheter and compression stockings.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team conducted a systematic review on these topics. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for the literature review and result presentation. The research encompassed articles from 1 January 2009 to 28 February 2023, retrieved through the MEDLINE database via PubMed, Embase database and Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

Forty-five articles were selected. Preoperative counselling has limited evidence for its impact on postoperative outcomes; yet, it can help alleviate surgery-related anxiety and manage postoperative symptoms. Prehabilitation can also prepare patients for surgery, reducing hospital stays and improving postsurgery functionality. Numerous studies suggest that preoperative Hb levels are independently linked to transfusion risk, with a recommended level of 13 g/dL. Combining intravenous and local tranexamic acid administration is strongly advised to reduce perioperative blood loss, while drainage after primary total knee arthroplasty offers no functional advantages. Employing a multimodal analgesia approach yields better results with reduced opioid usage. Indwelling urinary catheters provide no benefit and avoiding them can lower the risk of urinary tract infections. As for compression stockings, there is insufficient evidence in the literature to support their efficacy in preventing venous thromboembolism.

CONCLUSION

The best-track protocol has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing hospitalisation time and perioperative/postoperative complications. It is success relies on a collaborative, resource-adaptive approach led by a multidisciplinary team. Both patients and hospitals benefit from this approach, as it enhances care quality and lowers costs. Several studies have highlighted the significance of a patient-centred approach in achieving high-quality care. Creating a novel treatment protocol could be a prospective goal in the near future.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guideline Summary of Surgical Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

The Surgical Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline is based on a systematic review of published studies for surgical management of osteoarthritis of the knee in skeletally mature patients. This guideline contains 16 recommendations and seven options to assist orthopaedic surgeons and all qualified physicians with the surgical management of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee based on the best current available evidence. It is also intended to serve as an information resource for professional healthcare practitioners and developers of practice guidelines and recommendations. In addition to providing pragmatic practice recommendations, this guideline also highlights gaps in the literature and informs areas for future research and quality measure development.

Non-use of intra-articular drain after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction does not affect postoperative knee pain and muscle strength on early period

Introduction

This study aimed to determine the effect of using an intra-articular drain after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on early postoperative pain, range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, and complications.

Materials and methods

Between 2017 and 2020, of the 200 consecutive patients who underwent anatomical single-bundle ACL reconstruction, 128 patients underwent primary ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendons and were evaluated for postoperative pain and muscle strength at 3 months postoperatively. Sixty-eight patients who received intra-articular drain before April 2019 were classified as group D and 60 patients without an intra-articular drain after ACL reconstruction after May 2019 were classified as group N. Patient background, operative time, postoperative pain, number of additional analgesics used, presence of intra-articular hematoma, ROM at 2, 4, and 12 weeks postoperatively, extensor and flexor muscle strength at 12 weeks postoperatively, and perioperative complications were compared between the two groups.

Results

The postoperative pain at 4 h after surgery was significantly greater in group D than in group N although no significant difference was found in the pain felt in the immediate postoperative period and at 1 day and 2 days postoperatively and in the number of additional analgesics used. No significant difference in the postoperative ROM and muscle strength was noted between the two groups. Six patients with intra-articular hematomas in group D and four patients in group N needed puncture by 2 weeks postoperatively, and no significant difference was found between the two groups.

Conclusion

Postoperative pain was greater at 4 h postoperatively in group D. Furthermore, the intra-articular drain did not affect muscle strength, ROM, and complications on the early postoperative period. The usefulness of intra-articular drain after ACL reconstruction was considered low.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.

Is Routine Use of Drain Really Necessary for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery? A Retrospective Case Series with a Historical Control Group

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVES

The usefulness of a drain in spinal surgery has always been controversial. The purposes of this study were to determine the incidence of hematoma-related complications after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) without a drain and to evaluate its usefulness.

METHODS

We included 347 consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar disease who underwent single- or double-level PLIF. The participants were divided into 2 groups by the use of a drain or not; drain group and no-drain group.

RESULTS

In 165 cases of PLIF without drain, there was neither a newly developed neurological deficit due to hematoma nor reoperation for hematoma evacuation. In the no-drain group, there were 5 (3.0%) patients who suffered from surgical site infection (SSI), all superficial, and 17 (10.3%) patients who complained of postoperative transient recurred leg pain, all treated conservatively. Days from surgery to ambulation and length of hospital stay (LOS) of the no-drain group were faster than those of the drain group (P < 0.001). In a multiple regression analysis, a drain insertion was found to have a significant effect on the delayed ambulation and increased LOS. No significant differences existed between the 2 groups in additional surgery for hematoma evacuation, or SSI.

CONCLUSIONS

No hematoma-related neurological deficits or reoperations caused by epidural hematoma and SSI were observed in the no-drain group. The no-drain group did not show significantly more frequent postoperative complications than the drain use group, hence the routine insertion of a drain following PLIF should be reconsidered carefully.

Suction drainage in total knee replacement does not influence early functional outcomes or blood loss: a randomized control trial

INTRODUCTION

The use of wound drainage following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of suction drainage on early postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent TKA with concomitant administration of intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA).

METHOD

One hundred forty-six patients undergoing primary TKA with systematic intravenous TXA were prospectively selected and randomly divided into two groups. The first "Study group" (n = 67) received no suction drain and the second "Control" group (n = 79) had a suction drain. Perioperative hemoglobin levels, blood loss, complications, and length of hospital stay were assessed in both groups. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS) were also compared at a 6-week follow-up.

RESULTS

The study group was found to have higher hemoglobin levels preoperatively and during the first two days following surgery, and no difference was found between the groups on the third day. No significant discrepancies at any time were found between groups in terms of blood loss, length of hospitalization, knee range of motion, and KOOS score. Complications requiring further treatment were observed in one patient from the study group and ten patients from the control group.

CONCLUSION

The use of suction drains after TKA with TXA did not alter early postoperative outcomes.

Comparison of Combined Intraarticular and Intravenous Administration of Tranexamic Acid with Intraarticular and Intravenous Alone in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty without Drainage Catheter: A Clinical Trial Study

Objectives

We aimed to assess the most effective route for Tranexamic acid (TXA) administration among Intraarticular (IA), Intravenous (IV), and combined IA/IV for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) surgeries.

Methods

A double-blinded clinical trial was run on 147 TKA candidates. Blood loss and hemoglobin (Hb) drop were evaluated using the Gross and Nadler formula in three matched case groups administered TXA during the TKA through IV, IA, or combined IA/IV route. Tourniquet was used on all operations for controlling intraoperative blood loss. No drainage catheter was used for the cases.

Results

The combined group showed an average blood loss of 630±252 ml, which was significantly lower than that in the IV group (878±268 ml, P<0.01) and the IA group (774±288 ml, P=0.03). Furthermore, the mean Hb and hematocrit drop were significantly lower in the combined group, compared to the other two groups, 48 and 72 h postoperatively (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The combined IA/IV route had a 28% and 19% reduction of blood loss, compared to the IV or IA methods, respectively. Therefore, using TXA via the combined IA/IV route may be more effective for reducing perioperative blood loss following TKA surgery using a tourniquet without drain placement.

Comparison between simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty with and without drainage: A retrospective cohort study

Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (SBTHA) is an effective procedure for patients with disease bilaterally. But there is concern about increased blood loss and complications of SBTHA than staged total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the clinical outcomes and complication rate of SBTHA with drainage and without drainage for reducing the concerns. Between October 2015 and April 2019, a retrospective cohort study was conducted with modified minimally invasive 2-incision method and a consecutive series of 41 SBTHA performed with drainage (Group I) were compared to 37 SBTHA performed without drainage (Group II). It was assessed clinically and radiographically for a mean of 2.1 ± 0.8 years (range, 1.0-4.8 years). Postoperative hematologic values (Hgb loss, total blood loss, transfusion rate), pain susceptibility, functional outcome (Harris Hip Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score) and complication were compared in the drained group and the non-drained group. Postoperative Hgb loss (I: 2163.2 ± 698.7 g, II: 1730.4 ± 572.5 g; P = .002), total blood loss (I: 1528.8 ± 421.7 mL, II: 1237.6 ± 325.9 mL; P = .001) and mean transfusion unit (I: 0.7 ± 1.0 IU, II: 0.1 ± 0.3 IU; P < .001) were significantly lower in the without drainage group than in the with drainage group. But the morphine equivalent (I: 132.7 ± 314.1 mg, II: 732.2 ± 591.5 mg; P < .001) was significantly larger in the without drainage group. No significant difference was found between the drainage group and without drainage group in Harris Hip Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score at final follow-up. SBTHA without drainage can reduce postoperative blood loss and the requirement for transfusion without increasing other complication. But SBTHA without drainage is more painful method than SBTHA with drainage. Therefore, SBTHA without drainage will be a good option to reduce the burden on the patient by reducing postoperative bleeding if it can control pain well after surgery. III, Retrospective case-control study.

Postoperative outcomes of pedicle screw instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with and without a subfascial wound drain: a multicentre randomized controlled trial

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether, after correction of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), leaving out the subfascial drain gives results that are no worse than using a drain in terms of total blood loss, drop in haemoglobin level, and opioid consumption.

METHODS

Adolescents (aged between 10 and 21 years) with an idiopathic scoliosis (major curve ≥ 45°) were eligible for inclusion in this randomized controlled noninferiority trial (n = 125). A total of 90 adolescents who had undergone segmental pedicle screw instrumentation were randomized into no-drain or drain groups at the time of wound closure using the sealed envelope technique (1:1). The primary outcome was a drop in the haemoglobin level during first three postoperative days. Secondary outcomes were 48-hour postoperative oxycodone consumption and surgical complications.

RESULTS

All 90 patients were included in the primary outcome analysis (no drain = 43; drain = 47). The mean total postoperative blood loss (intraoperative and drain output) was significantly higher in the group with a subfascial drain than in the no-drain group (1,008 ml (SD 520) vs 631 ml (SD 518); p < 0.001). The drop in haemoglobin level did not differ between the study groups over the postoperative timepoints (p = 0.290). The 48-hour opioid consumption was significantly higher in the no-drain group (2.0 mg/kg (SD 0.9) vs 1.4 (SD 0.6); p = 0.005). Two patients in the no-drain and one patient in the drain group developed a surgical site infection.

CONCLUSION

Leaving the subfascial drain out after pedicle screw instrumentation for AIS is not associated with higher postoperative haemoglobin levels. Patients treated without a subfascial drain needed 30% more opioids during the first 48 hours than those who had a drain.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1067-1072.

The role of suction drainage in the management of peri-operative bleeding in Total and Unicomcompartmental knee arthroplasty: a retrospective comparative study

Background

Suction drainage is commonly applied after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to reduce hematoma, swelling and to favor surgical wound healing. However, its efficacy remains controversial; thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate drainage efficiency in the management of postoperative bleeding in TKA and UKA.

Methods

The cohort comprised 134 clinical records of patients affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent either TKA or UKA. All the patients were subdivided into 2 groups: the first one with drainage and the second one without drainage (respectively 61 and 73 patients). For each group, hemoglobin levels in the preoperative, first, second and third postoperative day were collected. Postoperative complications such as swelling, bleeding from the surgical wound or the need for blood transfusion, were also recorded.

Results

Our results did not show any significant difference of hemoglobin levels in the first (p = 0.715), second (p = 0.203) and third post-operative day (p = 0.467) between the two groups. Moreover, no significant correlation between knee swelling or transfusion rate and the drainage was observed (p = 0.703 and p = 0.662 respectively). Besides, a significant correlation was found between bleeding from the surgical wound and the absence of drainage (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

The study demonstrates how the routine use of suction drainage does not provide substantial benefits in the postoperative blood loss management after TKA or UKA.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04508101, 09/08/2020, Retrospectively registered

Level of evidence

III

Tranexamic acid use in simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty : a comparison of intravenous and intra-articular applications, which is more effective?

Patients applied with simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (SBTKA) with the administration of intravenous or intra-articular tranexamic acid (TXA) were compared in respect of blood loss and the need for allogenic blood transfusion. Of a total 53 patients applied with SBTKA, 32(60%) were administered intravenous TXA and 21(40%) intra-articular TXA. The patients were evaluated in respect of age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body blood volume, preoperative and 1,2,3 and 4 days postoperative levels of hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Htc) and the change in Hb levels, estimated blood loss, mean actual blood loss, the need for allogenic blood transfusion (ABT) and the use or not of a drain. No difference was determined between the intravenous and intra-articular groups in respect of mean age, gender, height, weight, and body blood volume. No difference was determined between the groups in preoperative and postoperative mean Hb and Hct values, the reduction in mean Hb postoperatively, estimated blood loss, or the need for ABT. No deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism was determined in any patient. In the application of SBTKA, TXA can be safely administered by the intravenous or intra-articular route to reduce the need for ABT. The results of this study determined no difference in efficacy between the routes of application. For patients with a risk of intravenous use, intra-articular application can be preferred.

Perioperative management of elderly patients with osteoarthritis requiring total knee arthroplasty

Knee osteoarthritis is a common arthritic disease which mainly affects the elderly (≥65 years old) population. As a result of the cartilage degeneration, it can cause a significant amount of pain and functional limitation. In patients who are refractory to conservative management, total knee arthroplasty is being utilised as the last resort in management. In this review, we discuss the perioperative management of elderly patients with osteoarthritis requiring total knee arthroplasty.

Effects of disusing closed suction drainage in simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty: A retrospective cohort study

Purpose

Increased blood loss remains a major drawback of simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (SBTHA). We examined the effects of disusing closed suction drainage (CSD) on postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirement in cementless SBTHA.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted with a consecutive series of cementless SBTHAs performed by a single surgeon between January 2014 and March 2017. The surgeon routinely used CSD until May 2015 and refrained from CSD in all primary THAs thereafter. This study included SBTHAs with intravenous administration of tranexamic acid (TXA). Postoperative hemoglobin drop, blood loss, transfusion rate, pain scores, complication rates, and implant survivorships were compared between the groups of SBTHA with and without CSD. The minimum follow-up duration was 1 year.

Results

Among the 110 patients (220 hips), 46 (92 hips) and 64 (128 hips) underwent SBTHA with and without CSD, respectively. Maximum hemoglobin drop (mean, 4.8 vs. 3.9 g/dL; P = 0.001), calculated blood loss (mean, 1530 vs. 1190 mL; P<0.001), transfusion rate (45.7% vs. 21.9%; P = 0.008), and length of hospital stay (mean, 6.6 vs. 5.8 days; P = 0.004) were significantly lower in patients without CSD. There were no significant differences in postoperative pain scales and wound complication rates. The mean Harris Hip scores at final follow-up (92.5 vs. 92.1; P = 0.775) and implant survivorships with an end-point of any revision at 4 years (98.9% vs. 98.4%; log-rank, P = 0.766) were similar between groups.

Conclusions

Disusing CSD significantly reduced postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirement without increasing postoperative pain and surgical wound complications in cementless SBTHA with concurrent administration of intravenous TXA.

Predictors for blood loss and transfusion frequency to guide blood saving programs in primary knee- and hip-arthroplasty

Endoprosthetic surgery can lead to relevant blood loss resulting in red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. This study aimed to identify risk factors for blood loss and RBC transfusion that enable the prediction of an individualized transfusion probability to guide preoperative RBC provision and blood saving programs. A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent primary hip or knee arthroplasty was performed. Risk factors for blood loss and transfusions were identified and transfusion probabilities computed. The number needed to treat (NNT) of a potential correction of preoperative anemia with iron substitution for the prevention of RBC transfusion was calculated. A total of 308 patients were included, of whom 12 (3.9%) received RBC transfusions. Factors influencing the maximum hemoglobin drop were the use of drain, tranexamic acid, duration of surgery, anticoagulation, BMI, ASA status and mechanical heart valves. In multivariate analysis, the use of a drain, low preoperative Hb and mechanical heart valves were predictors for RBC transfusions. The transfusion probability of patients with a hemoglobin of 9.0–10.0 g/dL, 10.0–11.0 g/dL, 11.0–12.0 g/dL and 12.0–13.0 g/dL was 100%, 33.3%, 10% and 5.6%, and the NNT 1.5, 4.3, 22.7 and 17.3, while it was 100%, 50%, 25% and 14.3% with a NNT of 2.0, 4.0, 9.3 and 7.0 in patients with a drain, respectively. Preoperative anemia and the insertion of drains are more predictive for RBC transfusions than the use of tranexamic acid. Based on this, a personalized transfusion probability can be computed, that may help to identify patients who could benefit from blood saving programs.