The aim of this study was to determine whether closed suction drain (CSD) use influences recovery of quadriceps strength and to examine the effects of drain use on secondary outcomes: quadriceps activation, intra-articular effusion, bioelectrical measure of swelling, range of movement (ROM), pain, and wound healing complications. A total of 29 patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were enrolled in a prospective, randomized blinded study. Patients were randomized to receive a CSD in one limb while the contralateral limb had the use of a subcutaneous drain (SCDRN) without the use of suction (‘sham drain’). Isometric quadriceps strength was collected as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes consisted of quadriceps activation, intra-articular effusion measured via ultrasound, lower limb swelling measured with bioelectrical impendence and limb girth, knee ROM, and pain. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at day two, two and six weeks, and three months. Differences between limbs were determined using paired Student’s Aims
Patients and Methods
Closed suction intraarticular drain (CSD) use after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been studied with regards to wound healing and range of motion, however, no data exist on how CSD use impacts knee joint effusion and quadriceps strength. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether CSD use influences recovery of quadriceps strength. Secondary outcomes examined effects of CSD on intraarticular effusion, lower limb swelling, knee range of motion (ROM), pain and wound healing complications. Twenty-nine patients undergoing same-day bilateral TKA were enrolled in a prospective, randomized blinded study. Subjects were randomized to receive a CSD on one lower extremity while the contralateral limb had the use of a subcutaneous drain (SCDRN) without the use of suction. Isometric quadriceps strength was collected as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes consisted of quadriceps muscle activation, intraarticular effusion measured via ultrasound, lower extremity swelling measured with bioelectrical impendence, lower extremity girth, ROM, and pain. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at day 2, 2 and 6 weeks and 3 months. Differences in limbs were determined using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed rank tests.Introduction
Methods
