Is routine splintage following primary total knee replacement necessary? A prospective randomised trial.

Abstract

It was hypothesised that routine splintage following primary total knee replacement has no affect on flexion deformity and offers no benefit over simple wool and crepe. Fifty-five patients undergoing primary total knee replacement were entered into a prospective study. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: The first group was rehabilitated without a splint and the second received an adjustable semi-rigid extension splint (Richards splint) for the first 48 h after surgery. Range of motion measurements were recorded pre-operatively and at 2 days, 1 week and 3 months post-operation by a research nurse blinded to the allocation. No statistically significant difference in flexion deformity was found at any stage (P>0.5). No difference was found in general or wound complications, or requirement for blood transfusion, and the post-operative stay was equal in the two groups. We conclude that routine use of a semi-rigid splint following primary total knee replacement has no advantage over simple wound dressings.