Modified Robert Jones bandage can not reduce postoperative swelling in enhanced-recovery after primary total knee arthroplasty without intraoperative tourniquet: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Compression therapy is commonly used to reduce lower limb swelling and blood loss after knee surgery. This study was performed to investigate whether modified Robert Jones bandage (MRJB) as a postoperative compression therapy is necessary for enhanced-recovery primary total knee arthroplasty without the tourniquet application. METHODS: In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 90 patients were grouped into 2 groups randomly. The experimental group received compression therapy with MRJB from toes to thigh for 24 h and the control group received no compression therapy. Knee swelling, blood loss, range of motion (ROM), pain, patient reported comfort level and complications were recorded. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the two groups when we compared knee swelling. Similarly, no significant difference on postoperative blood loss, pain, ROM, complications was found. However, patients in control group had significantly higher comfort ratings than compression group during the first 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: MRJB is not routinely indicated in enhanced-recovery primary total knee arthroplasty without tourniquet application. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-INR-16010177) dated 18th December 2016.