Short duration and low suction pressure drain versus no drain following total knee replacement.

Purpose: To compare the short-term outcome in patients with or without a drain (short duration and low suction pressure) following total knee replacement (TKR).

Methods: A consecutive series of 106 women and 48 men (mean age, 69 years) underwent unilateral TKR. The first 77 patients used a low suction pressure (200 mm Hg) drain following TKR for 24 hours, and the next 77 patients used no drain.

Blood management protocol for total knee arthroplasty to reduce blood wastage and unnecessary transfusion.

Purpose: To compare outcomes of 2 cohorts of patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) before and after the introduction of a blood management protocol.

Methods: Records of 97 and 96 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral TKA before and after introduction of the blood management protocol, respectively, were reviewed. Before introduction of the protocol, patients were cross-matched for blood before surgery.

Effect of patellar thickness on early results of total knee replacement with patellar resurfacing.

Purpose: Patellar thickness is a concern in total knee replacement with patellar resurfacing because of the risk of patellar fracture or implant loosening. The aim of this study was to evaluate if patellar thickness is related to clinical outcome in the absence of patellar fracture or implant loosening.

Methods: Early results of 169 patients who underwent total knee replacement with patellar resurfacing were reviewed to assess the effect of patellar thickness on clinical outcome.