Should We Suture Arthroscopic Portals? Effects on Intra-articular Fluid Retention

This study investigates whether arthroscopic irrigation fluid is retained in the joint and whether portal-closure management has an effect on effusion. In this randomized, prospective study, 91 patients (46 [50.5%] sutured-portal group and 45 [49.5%] open-portal group) were included. Suprapatellar knee-diameter measurement and the number of times the dressing was changed were used to assess intra-articular fluid collection. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oxford knee score, and Knee Society score were used to evaluate knee problems. All portal wounds in both groups healed without any problems. Superficial or deep infection was not observed in either group. There was no statistically significant difference in VAS score, Oxford knee scores, and Knee Society scores between groups. Although there was a decrease in the knee diameter of both groups between the early postoperative period and first postoperative day, a statistically significant difference in knee diameter was found, especially in the open-portal group. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of the number of dressings used in the first 24 hours after surgery. Leaving portals open may be effective in preventing intra-articular fluid retention. We thus advise leaving the arthroscopy portals open with just a simple dressing for selected patients. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USAArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  | ...
Source: Journal of Knee Surgery - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research