Suction dressings in total knee arthroplasty--an alternative to deep suction drainage.

A new technique is described for dressing of surgical wounds in total knee arthroplasty that is a combination of a semi-permeable dressing and suction drainage. This technique has been used in 100 consecutive cases and drainage was collected in 92. The average volume was 198 ml (range 30 to 850 ml). There was no superficial or deep sepsis. Haematoma formation causing moderate soft tissue tension and some patient discomfort was noted in 9 knees. This form of postoperative wound management retains the nursing and hygiene advantages of deep suction drainage, whilst avoiding the patient discomfort and potential complication possibilities associated with deep internal drainage.