Comparison of three methods for sealing of the intramedullary femoral canal during total knee arthroplasty; a randomized controlled trial.

研究概要

One hundred and twenty patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty for end-stage knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive either an intramedullary canal seal with either a bone plug (n=40), cement plug (n=40), or an empty channel (n=40). Outcomes of interest included hemoglobin levels at 2, 24, and 72 hours, total blood volume, estimated blood loss, and postoperative pain on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Hemoglobin levels, total blood volume, and incidence of blood transfusion were similar between all three groups. Hemoglobin decline and estimated blood loss were significantly lower in the cement group compared to the empty channel group. Pain scores were similar between the groups at all time points.