We wished to see if Orthopaedic Surgeons are using the current evidence with regard to the use of drains in knee arthroplasty. A questionnaire was faxed to UK members of BASK.

We had a 71. 7% response rate (160 responses out of 223). For primary TKR, 89. 5% always use a drain. 42. 1% removed their drains at between 24 and 48 hours. The commonest reason for using drains was to prevent haematoma or haemarthrosis development.

The study suggests that the majority of BASK members do not practice evidence based medicine with regard to the use of knee drains.

Abstract: With the current shift in recommended practice towards being evidence based, we wished to see if Orthopaedic surgeons are using the current evidence with regards to the use of drains in knee arthroplasty.

Method: A questionnaire was faxed to all UK members of BASK to ascertain their current practice regarding the use of drains in knee arthroplasty and the rationale for their drain policy.

Results: The BASK members handbook identified 231 UK members and a questionnaire was faxed to them. 160 replies were received, of which 8 were excluded from analysis as they were either retired or non-surgeons. This gave a 68.2% response rate (1 52 results out of 223).

Drain usage:

Primary TKR: Always 136(89.5%); Sometimes 13(8.5%), Never 3(2.0%).

Revision TKR: Always 141(94.6%); Sometimes 3 (2.0%); Never 5(3.4%); Not applicable 3.

Unicompartmental: Always 66(57.9%); Sometimes 28(24.6%); Never 20(17.5%); Not applicable 3.1.

Hours drain removed at:

< 24 hours 77(50.7%); 24–48 hours 64(42.1%);

> 48 hours 4(2.6%); No answer 7(4.6%).

Rationale for drain use:

Prevent wound haematoma/haemarthrosis 74; personal reasons 27; to allow retransfusion 20; evidence based 12; despite evidence 5.

29.6% of the responders are currently using cell salvage drains, and a further 7.9% are keen to start using cell salvage drains when the circumstances in their hospitals change to allow them to do so.

Conclusion: The results of our questionnaire have shown that for primary TKR 89.5% always use a drain. With regard to the duration of drainage, 42.1 % of the respondents removed their drains at between 24 and 48 hours. The commonest reason given for the use of drains in total knee arthroplasty was to prevent haematorna or haemarthrosis development. However the published literature does not support these practices and beliefs. Only 12 people said that their practice was evidence based. We therefore have to conclude that the majority of practising members of BASK do not practice evidence based medicine with regard to the use of drains in knee arthroplasty.