Drainage is of no use in primary uncomplicated cemented hip and knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a prospective randomized study.

Abstract

In a prospective, randomized study, 58 patients with primary cemented hip arthroplasty and 39 patients with primary cemented knee arthroplasty were divided into groups with postoperative closed-suction drainage and without drainage. There was no difference in healing of the wounds, postoperative blood transfusions, complications, or range of motion. Although there was more soaked dressing requiring reinforcements in the groups without drainage, as a result of this study, we no longer use drains in uncomplicated cemented primary hip and knee arthroplasties for osteoarthritis.