Open AccessThe management of wounds following primary lower limb arthroplasty: a prospective, randomised study comparing hydrofibre and central pad dressings
Author(s) -
Abuzakuk Tarek M.,
Coward Pamela,
Shenava Y,
Kumar V Senthil,
Skinner John A
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
international wound journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1742-481X
pISSN - 1742-4801
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-4801.2006.00189.x
Subject(s) - medicine , arthroplasty , surgery , prospective cohort study , randomized controlled trial , complication , total knee arthroplasty , wound care
Wound care following lower limb arthroplasty has not been subject to in‐depth clinical research, primarily because such wounds usually heal without complication. However, when prosthetic implants are used, serious wound problems can be disastrous (Whitehouse et al. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2002;23:183–9; Lindwell OM. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1986;211:91–103). We report the results of a prospective, randomised, controlled trial comparing a hydrofibre (Aquacel ® ) and central pad (Mepore ® ) dressing in the management of acute wounds following primary total hip or knee arthroplasty left to heal by primary intention. Dressing performance was measured in 61 patients receiving total hip or knee replacements. There was a significant reduction in the requirement for dressing changes before five postoperative days in the hydrofibre group (43% compared with 77% in the central pad group), and there were fewer blisters amongst patients in the hydrofibre group (13% compared with 26% in the central pad group). We conclude that there is a potential role for hydrofibre dressing in the management of arthroplasty wounds.