Effect of a 12-hour natural drainage technique on decreasing blood loss after total knee arthroplasty: a case-control study

BACKGROUND: Different methods of drainage have been used in patients with osteoarthritis after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but the ideal strategy is controversial. This retrospective case-control study reported a technique of 12-hour natural drainage and aimed to confirm its efficacy and safety in the treatment for blood loss following TKA. METHODS: There were 231 patients divided into three groups who underwent TKA from January 2014 to July 2017: 76 patients underwent 12-hour natural drainage in Group A, 80 patients underwent 4-hour clamping drainage in Group B, and 75 patients underwent continuous drainage in Group C. All perioperative clinical data were reviewed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The drainage volume and total blood loss after TKA were significantly lower in Group A than that in the other two groups (P<0.05), and serum level of hemoglobin was significantly higher in Group A than that in the other two groups (P<0.05). The maximum of active motion of the knee was greater in Group C at 2 days (P<0.05). Significantly more patients in Group C required blood transfusions (P<0.05). No difference was found in the complication rate among the three groups. CONCLUSION: The 12-hour natural drainage is an effective technique for reducing blood loss for patients following TKA. Compared with temporary clamping drainage and continuous negative pressure drainage, 12-hour natural drainage decreases blood loss, reduces post-operative transfusion requirements, and does not increase the risk of complications. Therefore, this technique of 12-hour natural drainage is recommended to be used in patients after TKA.