Effect of re-transfusion systems on physiotherapy participation and transfusion in total knee joint arthroplasty

Abstract

Background: Total knee joint arthroplasty is associated with significant blood loss. We hypothesized that re-transfusion drains would be associated with a lesser requirement for allogeneic blood transfusion and result in earlier physiotherapy participation and decreased length of hospital stay. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 303 patients with a mean age of 68.3 years (44–91) who underwent unilateral primary total knee joint arthroplasty within a single orthopaedic unit. A re-transfusion drain, deep drain, superficial drain or no drain was placed at the time of surgery. Blood tests were taken pre- and post-operatively, and blood transfusions were given based on the haemoglo..