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Effect of Hemovac Drain Removal on Early Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Effect of Timing of Hemovac Drain Removal on Early Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07342894
Enrollment
207
Registered
2026-01-15
Start date
2025-05-01
Completion date
2025-12-10
Last updated
2026-01-15

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Knee Osteoarthritis, Total Knee Arthroplasty

Keywords

Knee Osteoarthritis, Total Knee Arthroplasty

Brief summary

This study aims to evaluate whether the timing of Hemovac drain removal affects early clinical outcomes after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Hemovac drains are commonly used after TKA to reduce postoperative bleeding and swelling; however, the optimal timing for drain removal remains controversial. In this prospective observational cohort study, patients undergoing primary TKA for knee osteoarthritis will be divided into two groups according to routine clinical practice: those whose drain is removed before the first postoperative rehabilitation session and those whose drain is removed after the first rehabilitation session. The primary outcomes include the rate of postoperative hemarthrosis, early postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain levels and functional outcomes. The results of this study may help optimize postoperative management strategies following total knee arthroplasty.

Detailed description

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a widely performed surgical procedure for the treatment of advanced knee osteoarthritis. Postoperative management often includes the use of closed suction drains, such as Hemovac systems, to reduce hematoma formation and wound complications. However, the necessity and optimal timing of drain removal remain subjects of debate. This prospective observational cohort study is designed to compare early clinical outcomes associated with two different timings of Hemovac drain removal following primary TKA. Patients who undergo primary TKA at a single tertiary care center will be enrolled prospectively. According to routine postoperative practice, patients will be allocated into two groups: drain removal before the first postoperative rehabilitation session or drain removal after completion of the first rehabilitation session. All patients will receive standardized surgical techniques, anesthesia protocols, postoperative care, and rehabilitation programs. Data will be collected prospectively. Primary outcomes include postoperative hemarthrosis, early postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain intensity and functional outcome measures. This study aims to provide evidence to guide clinical decision-making regarding postoperative drain management in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

Interventions

None listed

Sponsors

Ankara City Hospital Bilkent
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Patients aged 18 years or older * Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis * Undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty * Provided written informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

* Revision total knee arthroplasty * History of inflammatory arthritis * Known bleeding disorders or coagulopathy * Active infection or periprosthetic joint infection * Incomplete clinical data or loss to follow-up

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Postoperative Drain OutputPostoperative days 0-3Total postoperative Hemovac drain output measured in milliliters following primary total knee arthroplasty.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Length of Hospital StayPostoperative days 0-dischargeDuration of postoperative hospital stay measured in days.
Postoperative Hemoglobin ChangePostoperative first 24-48 hoursChange in hemoglobin level from preoperative baseline to postoperative measurement.
Knee Society Score (KSS)Postoperative 1 monthFunctional outcome assessed using the Knee Society Score.
Postoperative Pain IntensityPostoperative 1 monthPain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026