Abstract
Aim: We have carried out a prospective study to compare duplex ultrasonography and transcutaneous oxygen tension as predictors of wound healing after knee arthroplasty.
Methods and Materials: 53 patients were included in the study. All underwent pre-operative duplex scans of their lower limbs. In addition, transcutaneous oxygen tension measurements were made adjacent to the proposed incision pre-operatively and on days 1, 3 and 7 post knee arthroplasty. Wound healing was assessed using the ASEPSIS wound score.
Results: 4 wounds had evidence of delayed wound healing. Duplex ultrasonography was a poor predictor of such problems; however there was a significant correlation between pre-operative transcutaneous oxygen tension and post-operative wound scores.
Conclusion: Pre-operative transcutaneous oxygen tension measurement is a better predictor of wound healing after knee replacement surgery than duplex ultrasonograph, and may be a useful adjunct to the investigation of patients at risk of wound problems post knee arthroplasty.
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr Tim Wilton, BASK at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
