Please note: In any event, the values of pressure and model selection in the Model Selection Guide are to be used as reference.
Demirkale I, et al., J Arthroplasty. 2013 Oct 29. pii: S0883-5403(13)00808-5. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2013.10.022.
This retrospective study enrolled 526 patients undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasties at our institution. In nondrainage group (Group 1) of 255 patients (510 knees), a disposable elastic sterile exsanguination tourniquet (HemaClear), wound closure in layers and Jones Bandage, without pre-tourniquet removal hemostasis or Hemovac drain were used. In drainage group (Group 2) of 227 patients (454 knees), pneumatic tourniquet, post-deflation hemostasis, a Hemovac drain and Jones bandage were used. The maximal drop in hemoglobin was significantly greater in Group 2 than Group 1 (P<0.001). Also infection rate was significantly lower in Group 1 (P=0.017). The use of sterile tourniquet removed after wound closure without Hemovac drain decreases blood transfusion need, infection rate, tourniquet related pain and postoperative complications.