Closed suction surgical wound drainage after hip fracture surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

There is still debate over the use of drains following hip fracture surgery. We have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature for randomised trials that related to the use of closed suction drains following hip fracture surgery. Six studies involving 664 patients were identified. There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of wound healing complications, re-operations or requirement for blood transfusion between drained and un-drained wounds. All other outcomes reported failed to show any benefit from the use of drains. Further randomised trials are required and until they have been undertaken the efficacy of closed surgical drainage systems in hip fracture surgery is unknown.