Blood loss associated with ring uncemented total knee replacement: Comparison between continuous and intermittent suction drainage

Abstract

In a retrospective comparison of blood loss following uncemented total knee replacement, in which either continuous or intermittent suction drainage was used, measured blood loss was significantly greater with continuous drainage. However, a method of calculating actual blood loss demonstrated no significant difference. With intermittent drainage, more blood remains undetected around the knee joint; this technique should therefore be abandoned in favour of continuous suction drainage. © 1984, The Royal Society of Medicine. All rights reserved.