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.