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Related Experiment Videos

Arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction. Is a drain necessary?

Robert Straw1, Karen Colclough, Guido G Geutjens

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Derby, UK.

The Knee
|August 2, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Intra-articular drains after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery offer no long-term benefits. This study found no functional difference between patients who received a drain and those who did not.

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Sports Medicine
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a common orthopedic procedure.
  • The use of intra-articular drains following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction is debated.
  • Patellar tendon autograft is a frequently used graft source for ACL reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular drains after arthroscopically assisted ACL reconstruction.
  • To compare outcomes between patients with and without an intra-articular drain.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective randomized controlled trial involving 49 patients.
  • Patients were randomized to receive or not receive an intra-articular drain.
  • Outcomes including swelling, range of motion (ROM), pain, and muscle strength were assessed postoperatively.

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Main Results:

  • Initially, drained knees showed reduced swelling and improved ROM.
  • These differences diminished by 4 weeks post-surgery.
  • No significant functional differences were observed between groups at 3 and 6 months.

Conclusions:

  • Intra-articular drains are not recommended following ACL reconstruction.
  • Drain removal is uncomfortable and poses avoidable risks.
  • Routine use of drains in ACL reconstruction may not be beneficial.