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

NCT07342894 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: TABED2-25-1015_TKA_DRAIN
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 207
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Knee Osteoarthritis; Total Knee Arthroplasty

Keywords

Knee Osteoarthritis; Total Knee Arthroplasty

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Postoperative Drain Output

  Total postoperative Hemovac drain output measured in milliliters following primary total knee arthroplasty.

  Postoperative days 0-3

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Length of Hospital Stay

  Postoperative days 0-discharge

• Postoperative Hemoglobin Change

  Postoperative first 24-48 hours

• Knee Society Score (KSS)

  Postoperative 1 month

• Postoperative Pain Intensity

  Postoperative 1 month

Study Arms (2)

Early Drain Removal (Goup 1)

Patients whose Hemovac drain is removed before the first postoperative rehabilitation session as part of routine clinical practice.

Late Drain Removal (Group 2)

Patients whose Hemovac drain is removed after completion of the first postoperative rehabilitation session as part of routine clinical practice.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of adult patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty at a single tertiary care center. All participants were treated according to standardized surgical and postoperative care protocols and were followed prospectively.

You may qualify if:

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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ankara City Hospital Bilkent: lead

Study Sites (1)

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Osteoarthritis, Knee

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Osteoarthritis; Arthritis; Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Rheumatic Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Medical Doctor, specialist

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 22, 2025
• First Posted: January 15, 2026
• Study Start: May 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: November 30, 2025
• Study Completion: December 10, 2025
• Last Updated: January 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)