Risk factors for periprosthetic joint infection in total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a high-volume hospital.

Methods: Records of 1133 primary TKAs were reviewed. Correlation between surgery volume and infection rate was determined.

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.