Factors associated with prolonged wound drainage after primary total hip and knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Prolonged wound drainage following total hip or total knee arthroplasty has been associated with an increased risk of postoperative morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacologic, surgical, and patient-specific factors that are associated with prolonged wound drainage and the relationship of this complication to the length of hospital stay and the rate of wound infections. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 1211 primary total hip arthroplasties and 1226 primary total knee arthroplasties. Prospectively collected data included body mass index, intraoperative blood loss, surgical time, type of prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis, and length of hospital stay. The association of these factors with the duration of postoperative wound drainage was analyzed. An acute infection developed after fifteen primary total hip arthroplasties and ten primary total knee arthroplasties. The patients with an acute postoperative infection were compared with their uninfected counterparts, and an odds ratio was determined to estimate the risk of prolonged wound drainage resulting in a wound infection. RESULTS: Morbid obesity was strongly associated with prolonged wound drainage in the total hip arthroplasty group (p = 0.001) but not in the total knee arthroplasty group (p = 0.590). An increased volume of drain output was an independent risk factor for prolonged wound drainage in both groups. Patients who received low-molecular-weight heparin for prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis had a longer time until the postoperative wound was dry than did those treated with aspirin and mechanical foot compression or those who received Coumadin (warfarin); this difference was significant on the fifth postoperative day (p = 0.003) but not by the eighth postoperative day. Prolonged wound drainage resulted in a significantly longer hospital stay in both groups (p < 0.001). Each day of prolonged wound drainage increased the risk of wound infection by 42% following a total hip arthroplasty and by 29% following a total knee arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Morbid obesity, the use of low-molecular-weight heparin, and a higher drain output were associated with a prolonged time until the postoperative wound was dry following a primary total hip arthroplasty, whereas a higher drain output was the only risk factor associated with prolonged drainage following a primary total knee arthroplasty. Prolonged drainage was associated with a higher rate of infection following a primary total hip arthroplasty, whereas obesity was the only identified independent risk factor for postoperative infection following a primary total knee arthroplasty.     

Is suction drainage necessary after total joint arthroplasty?

A prospective evaluation of 98 patients who had undergone a total hip or knee arthroplasty was conducted to assess the effect of postoperative suction drainage. Sixty-six patients undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty and 32 patients undergoing total knee replacement were randomly allocated to undergo either suction drainage or no drainage of the wound. Statistical analysis of the results showed no difference in wound healing, severity of wound haematoma, postoperative blood transfusion requirement, range of motion and duration of the hospitalization between the two groups. We conclude that the use of closed suction drainage provides no apparent advantage after uncomplicated total hip or knee arthroplasty. Received: 19 December 1996     

Radiographic cost reduction strategy in total joint arthroplasty: A prospective analysis

A consecutive series of 222 patients who underwent cemented total knee arthroplasty (124) and uncemented total hip arthroplasty (98) were evaluated prospectively. The purpose of this study was to determine if routine radiologic interpretation of postoperative total hip and total knee radiographs is cost effective. Also, the study was designed to determine if routine predischarge radiographs, in conjunction with recovery room radiographs, are worthwhile. There were no changes in postoperative patient management based on orthopaedic or radiologic review of either radiograph. No additional information was gained from review of the radiologic evaluations. Therefore, obtaining one series of routine inpatient postoperative total joint radiographs and eliminating postoperative radiologic consultation will significantly reduce costs without compromising patient care.     

初次髋膝关节置换术中不留置尿管的可行性和安全性研究

目的探讨单侧初次髋或膝关节置换术中不常规留置尿管的可行性及安全性,以减少不必要的导尿,提高患者就医舒适度和满意度。 方法本文回顾性分析中日友好医院骨关节外科2015年11月至2016年10月期间109例无明显尿潴留高危因素、无术前尿路感染、无尿路刺激征及重度肝肾功能不全、且接受单侧初次髋或膝关节置换术、术中不留置尿管(NIC)患者的资料。根据配对条件,与同期行常规术前留置尿管(IC)的单侧初次髋或膝关节置换患者按照1 ∶1进行配对研究,应用SPSS 19.0统计学软件对正态分布计量资料采用配对t检验,非正态分布计量资料采用Wilcoxon符号秩和检验,计数资料采用χ²检验分析比较两组患者术后的尿潴留、二次尿潴留、尿管相关膀胱不适、尿路刺激症、尿路感染、不良事件发生率,以及术后住院时间及患者满意度,分析并评价不留置尿管在单侧初次髋、膝关节置换术中的可行性及安全性。 结果两组患者术后尿潴留、二次尿潴留、尿路感染发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),NIC组术后尿管相关膀胱不适、尿路刺激征、不良事件发生率及术后住院时间均明显低于IC组,而患者满意度高于IC组,两组比较差异有统计学意义(χ²＝10.844,P<0.05),单侧初次髋或膝关节置换术中不必要的导尿高达81.7%。 结论初次髋或膝关节置换术中不常规留置尿管安全可靠,能有效减少尿管相关膀胱不适、尿路刺激征及不良事件的发生,同时可缩短术后住院时间,提高患者早期满意度。     

Effectiveness of suction drainage after primary or revision total hip and total knee arthroplasty.

Postoperative suction drainage of a surgical wound is aimed at evacuation of wound hematoma. This study evaluated the effectiveness of suction drainage in joint replacement surgery. Surgical wounds in 206 patients with primary or revision hip and knee arthroplasty were assessed according to a set criteria. Forty-eight hours postoperatively, wound hematoma and exudate formation were not related to the use of suction drains. A greater tendency of wound oozing was seen in revision hip arthroplasty performed with postoperative suction drainage. Therefore, postoperative suction drainage did not affect hematoma formation or wound oozing and is thus considered an unnecessary practice.     

Prevalence of fat embolism following bilateral simultaneous and unilateral total hip arthroplasty performed with or without cement : a prospective,randomized clinical study

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the safety of bilateral simultaneous total hip arthroplasty, in part because of the potentially higher prevalence of pulmonary fat embolism. The purpose of the present study was to determine if unilateral and bilateral simultaneous total hip arthroplasty procedures resulted in different prevalences of fat embolization, different degrees of hemodynamic compromise, or different levels of hypoxemia or mental status changes. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-six consecutive patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty were prospectively enrolled in the study. The study group included fifty patients undergoing bilateral simultaneous total hip arthroplasty and 106 patients undergoing unilateral total hip arthroplasty. One hundred hips were treated with a cemented stem, and 106 were treated with a cementless stem. Arterial and right atrial blood samples were obtained before implantation (baseline); at one, three, five, and ten minutes after implantation of the acetabular and femoral components; and at twenty-four and forty-eight hours after the operation. Arterial blood pressure, right atrial pressure, arterial oxygen tension, and carbon-dioxide tension were also monitored at these times. The presence of lipid and cellular contents of bone marrow was determined. RESULTS: The prevalence of fat embolism was not significantly different between the groups managed with bilateral and unilateral total hip arthroplasty or between the groups managed with cemented and cementless stems. Similarly, the prevalence of bone-marrow-cell embolization was not significantly different between the groups managed with bilateral and unilateral total hip arthroplasty or between the groups managed with cemented and cementless stems. Patients with bone-marrow-cell embolization had a significantly lower arterial oxygen tension (p = 0.022) and oxygen saturation (p = 0.017) than did patients without bone-marrow-cell embolization on the first postoperative day. Four patients with bone-marrow cells in the blood samples that were obtained from the right atrium on the first postoperative day had development of diffuse encephalopathy with confusion and agitation that lasted for about twenty-four hours. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of fat and bone-marrow-cell embolization was similar in the groups managed with bilateral simultaneous and unilateral total hip arthroplasty as well as in the groups managed with cemented and cementless stems.     

闭式引流在全膝关节置换术中的作用评价

目的 评价闭式引流在骨水泥型全膝关节置换手术中的价值。方法 通过前瞻性随机对照研究,将100例拟行骨水泥型初次全膝关节置换的患者术前随机分成两组,一组行闭式引流（n=50）,一组不予引流（n=50）。分别比较两组患者术后并发症及膝关节功能康复情况。结果 非引流组伤口敷料渗出量大于引流组,但引流组术后伤口总渗出量、术后48h血红蛋白下降值显著高于非引流组。术后肢体肿胀、疼痛评分、深静脉栓塞发生率、软组织瘀斑范围、关节屈曲度、2年随访膝关节感染发生率及功能评分等方面无显著差异。结论 在本研究中未发现明显有力的证据支持应用术中引流。     

低蛋白血症延长髋膝关节置换患者住院日

目的 探讨术前低蛋白血症和初次髋膝关节置换术住院时长的相关性.方法 回顾性分析2017年8月至2019年1月在南京鼓楼医院运动医学与成人重建外科行初次人工关节置换术的患者资料,排除掉资料不全、围手术期对并发症进行过针对治疗、一期行双侧关节置换、行翻修手术、血友病性关节炎等病人,共纳入男253例,女640例,年龄范围19...     

Blood salvage in total hip and knee arthroplasty in a community hospital: a retrospective study

PURPOSES: To assess the results of postoperative and intra-operative blood salvage in patients undergoing total knee and hip arthroplasty, respectively, and to determine if both methods of blood salvage reduce allogeneic transfusion. METHODS: Of 229 patients who attempted blood salvage, 114 of 152 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty received the salvaged blood postoperatively, 35 of 77 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty received the salvaged blood intra-operatively. Various data were collected to assess whether certain factors resulted in autologous and/or allogeneic blood transfusions. RESULTS: Patients that received postoperative salvaged blood after total knee arthroplasty generally had higher postoperative levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit compared to those who did not. Patients with autologous blood transfusion following cemented knee surgery were less likely to require allogeneic blood transfusion. For hip arthroplasty patients, postoperative levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit were similar in both groups who received and did not receive salvaged blood. Lower preoperative haemoglobin and haematocrit levels correlated with a greater likelihood of autologous and/or allogeneic blood transfusion for both knee and hip arthroplasty patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although total knee arthroplasty patients who received salvaged blood had higher haemoglobin levels on the first postoperative day, the receipt of salvaged blood did not significantly reduce the incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion, because salvaged blood was a kind of blood loss. However, reinfusion of salvaged blood may reduce the number of units of allogeneic blood used. Given the short supply of allogeneic blood and its risks of transmitting disease, intra-operative and postoperative blood salvage carries clear advantages.     

Tranexamic acid reduces blood loss in cemented hip arthroplasty: A randomized,double-blind study of 39 patients with osteoarthritis

Background?Tranexamic acid has been found to reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusions in knee arthroplasty. In hip arthroplasty, the benefit of tranexamic acid is not as clear.

Patients and methods?In a randomized, double-blind study, 39 patients with primary cemented hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis were divided into two groups; one receiving tranexamic acid and the other not receiving it. Tranexamic acid was given in a dose of 10?mg/kg before the operation and twice thereafter, at 8-hour intervals.

Results?and interpretation?Total blood loss was smaller in the tranexamic acid group than in the control group. No thromboembolic complications were noticed. Tranexamic acid appears to be an effective and economic drug for reduction of blood loss in cemented primary hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.

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Diagnostic value of routine drain tip culture in primary joint arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Closed suction drainage after joint arthroplasty is common practice in many institutions. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between routine drain tip culture and the diagnosis of superficial or deep postoperative wound infection after primary knee and hip replacement. METHODS: Over a 12-month period, drain tips were retrieved and cultured in all patients who underwent unilateral primary total knee or hip replacement with the use of closed suction drainage. A total of 393 cultures was performed in 387 patients (145 hip replacements, 242 knee replacements). Patients were followed for an average of 8.9 months after surgery to assess for postoperative wound infection. RESULTS: Three patients had a positive drain tip culture, none of which were diagnosed with superficial or deep infection. Four patients (1%) were diagnosed with deep infection, 16 (4.1%) with superficial infection. No patient with either superficial or deep infection had a positive drain tip culture after their index procedure. The sensitivity of routine drain tip culture for the diagnosis of postoperative infection in primary joint replacement was 0% and specificity was 99.2%. CONCLUSIONS: These data do not support the practice of routine drain tip culture after primary hip or knee replacement for the diagnosis of postoperative infection.     

Effect of postoperative reinfusion systems on hemoglobin levels in primary total hip and total knee arthroplasties: A prospective randomized study

A prospective randomized study was undertaken to quantify the effect of reinfusion of postoperative shed blood drainage on the hemoglobin levels in patients undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). One hundred eleven patients were enrolled between December 1990 and August 1991. There were 42 THAs and 69 TKAs. The study group consisted of 57 patients (35 TKAs and 22 THAs) who received a CBC ConstaVac (Stryker Surgical, Kalamazoo, MI) reinfusion system. The control group consisted of 54 patients (34 TKAs and 20 THAs) who received a ConstaVac collection unit. Postoperative drainage volumes were recorded for both groups. In addition, the volume of reinfused blood was recorded for the study group. Postoperative hemoglobins were recorded on postoperative days 1, 3, and 6, the latter reflecting the discharge hemoglobin level. All patients were encouraged to predeposit two units of autologous blood for both THAs and TKAs. This study showed no statistically significant difference in the postoperative hemoglobin levels between the study and control groups at anytime. Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference between hemoglobin levels and drainage volumes in both the THA and TKA study groups, compared to their respective control groups. The results of this study suggest that reinfusion units are not necessary in THAs and TKAs as a matter of routine use.     

The efficacy of suction drains after routine total joint arthroplasty

A prospective study of thirty-eight patients (seventy-six knees) who had had a primary bilateral total knee replacement and twelve patients (twenty-four hips) who had had a primary bilateral total hip replacement was conducted to assess the effect of postoperative suction drainage on wound-healing. A suction drain was placed on each patient's right operative wound, while no drains were used on the left. Otherwise, the same operative technique and method of closure were used in all wounds. Statistical analysis of the results showed no difference between the two sides with regard to the incidences of swelling or persistent drainage. Return of active function of the quadriceps and of range of motion of the knee in patients who had had a total knee replacement was also unaffected by the use of suction drains. We concluded that the routine use of suction drains for wounds is unnecessary after uncomplicated total joint arthroplasty.     

Tranexamic acid reduces blood loss in cemented hip arthroplasty: a randomized, double-blind study of 39 patients with osteoarthritis

Background Tranexamic acid has been found to reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusions in knee arthroplasty. In hip arthroplasty, the benefit of tranexamic acid is not as clear.

Patients and methods In a randomized, double-blind study, 39 patients with primary cemented hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis were divided into two groups; one receiving tranexamic acid and the other not receiving it. Tranexamic acid was given in a dose of 10 mg/kg before the operation and twice thereafter, at 8-hour intervals.

Results and interpretation Total blood loss was smaller in the tranexamic acid group than in the control group. No thromboembolic complications were noticed. Tranexamic acid appears to be an effective and economic drug for reduction of blood loss in cemented primary hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.

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Outcome in primary cemented total knee arthroplasty with or without drain: A prospective comparative study

Background:

Suction drain insertion is a common practice in orthopedic surgery, especially after joint arthroplasty to prevent the formation of a hematoma. Theoretically the use of a drain should diminish the volume of hematoma; however the literature has conflicting data. Some authors state that drainage evacuates fluid from a limited area only and can be a cause of infection due to retrograde migration of bacteria. It can also impair the early postoperative rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome (especially postoperative pain) and intake of analgesics in patients who had undergone primary cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with or without a postoperative drain.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective comparative study of 108 consecutive patients (121 knees) was conducted. They were divided into two groups: A study group, with no drainage and a control group with drain inserted at the end of surgery. A total of 121 patients were recruited into two groups. A study group consisted of 59 knees, in which we did not use drainage after TKA and a control group with 62 knees, in which drain was inserted post surgery. Both groups were comparable in terms of preoperative characteristics. The indication for TKA was osteoarthritis (n = 105) and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 16).

Results:

In patients without drainage we observed lower need for opioids, higher blood loss on the 1^st postoperative day and a lower need for change of dressings. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of total blood loss, hidden blood loss, transfusion rate, range of motion, length of hospital stay or incidence of complications between the two groups. In 1 year observation there were no differences in clinical outcome between the two groups.

Conclusions:

The present study conclude that there is no rationale for the use of drain after primary TKA. There are benefits in terms of lower opioid intake, lower blood loss on the first postoperative day and lower need for dressing reinforcement during hospitalization.     

Salvage and reinfusion of postoperative sanguineous wound drainage. A preliminary report.

Thirty-five patients who were to have posterior spinal arthrodesis, total hip arthroplasty, or total knee arthroplasty were entered into one of two groups: Group A, to receive unwashed, filtered sanguineous drainage from the wound, or Group B, to receive washed, filtered drainage. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and difficulty of reinfusion of washed compared with unwashed drainage that had been salvaged from the wound after an orthopaedic operation. The sixteen patients in Group A received a mean of 475 milliliters of unwashed drainage for each total knee arthroplasty, 427 milliliters for each total hip arthroplasty, and ten milliliters for the one posterior spinal arthrodesis. The complications included immediate hypotension (two patients), hyperthermia (one patient), and hypotension five hours after reinfusion (one patient). The latter patient died, four days after the operation, of a massive myocardial infarction. The nineteen patients in Group B received a mean of 193 milliliters of washed, filtered drainage for each total knee arthroplasty, 203 milliliters for each total hip arthroplasty, and 179 milliliters for each posterior spinal arthrodesis. Salvage and reinfusion of washed drainage from the wound caused no problems in these patients.     

The effect of obesity on the outcome of hip and knee arthroplasty

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of joint arthroplasty in obese and non-obese patients. We reviewed 2,026 consecutive primary total hip and 535 primary total knee arthroplasties performed for osteoarthritis. Patients were separated into two groups according to their body mass index (BMI): non-obese (BMI < 30) and obese (BMI ≥ 30). Their survivorships were compared. Case controlled studies were performed with 134 hip and 50 knee arthroplasties in obese patients. Each was matched individually with a control and their outcome compared. Log rank tests for equality of survival showed no difference in the survival for hip and knee arthroplasty at 11 and ten years, respectively. The obese group had significantly lower postoperative hip and knee scores at latest follow-up, especially in the range of motion. Overall patient satisfaction scores were comparable. There were no significant differences in the radiographic analysis of both hip and knee implants. Revision was used as an end point for the survival analysis. Functional scores (Harris hip score and Hospital for Special Surgery knee score), satisfaction for surgery and radiographic features were used as outcome measures for comparison. The mid-term survival of total hip and knee arthroplasty is not adversely affected by obesity. Despite lower clinical scores, the obese patients were satisfied with the results of their surgery and have an equivalent mid-term survival rate. It would be unreasonable to deny patients arthroplasty surgery purely on the basis of a BMI indicating obesity.     

Early repetitive radiography is unnecessary after an uncomplicated cemented hip or knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis

Radiographs are necessary at some early point after a hip and knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to assess the value of routine repetitive radiographic examinations and the value of a reading of the images by a radiologist. Data of 200 cemented hip and knee arthroplasties for osteoarthritis were reviewed. In-hospital and outpatient postoperative control radiographs were examined. If post-operative radiographs are of good quality, there seems to be no need for early repetitive radiographs. Neither is a radiologist reading of the radiographs after joint arthroplasty of any benefit.     

Total joint arthroplasty for steroid-induced osteonecrosis in cardiac transplant patients

Ten cardiac transplant patients have had bilateral total hip or knee surgery for treatment of osteonecrosis secondary to corticosteroid immunosuppression. Nine had bilateral total hip arthroplasty and one had bilateral total knee arthroplasty for osteonecrosis of the tibial plateaus. The only immediate postoperative complication was in a single hip patient who had a nonfatal pulmonary embolism. Two patients died from cardiovascular causes; the remaining eight had excellent results from arthroplasty, with an average Harris hip rating of 95 at a mean follow-up period of 34 months. No patient had required revision surgery and radiographic follow-up examination has revealed no evidence of loosening of any of these cemented arthroplasties. One patient developed a late hematogeneous sepsis of one hip seven years after replacement from atypical mycobacterium three months following renal transplantation, which was done 11 years after cardiac transplantation. Total joint arthroplasty has resulted in excellent clinical and radiologic results in this patient population. Despite the increased risks of major surgery in these immunocompromised transplant recipients, total joint arthroplasty appears to be a safe and effective method of treatment of osteonecrosis of the hip.     

Postoperative blood salvage in total knee arthroplasty using the Solcotrans autotransfusion system

One hundred forty-four patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty were examined in a prospective controlled study to determine the efficacy and safety of a postoperative wound drainage autotransfusion system (Solcotrans, Smith & Nephew Richards, Memphis, TN). The patients were divided into two groups: control group 1 comprised 88 (61%) patients who either received a Hemovac disposable drainage system (63 patients) or the Solcotrans system and had inadequate drainage for autotransfusion (25 patients). Experimental group 2 comprised 56 (39%) patients who received a Solcotrans drainage system and were autotransfused. The Solcotrans proved itself safe. No sepsis, transfusion reactions, or coagulopathies were associated with autotransfusion, which averaged 524 mL. There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 when comparing preoperative and postoperative hemoglobins and hematocrits. The Solcotrans system did not lower homologous blood requirements. Only 1.6% (2 patients) of all patients who autodonated at least 2 units of autologous blood (122 patients) were in need of a homologous blood transfusion in the postoperative period. Thus, although safe, the Solcotrans system was not proven effective in the management of primary total knee arthroplasty patients.