Drain technique in elective total joint arthroplasty.

The authors report a simple technique for effective management of surgical drains and their reliable removal in elective hip and knee arthroplasty. Many surgeons use surgical drains for elective total hip and knee arthroplasties and instruct residents in their use despite limited evidence to support routine use of surgical drains in noninfected cases. There are many different types of drains and equally varied methods for implantation, monitoring, and removal. Technical issues regarding use of closed suction surgical drainage postoperatively deal primarily with the questions of when to remove the surgical drain and how to manage difficulties with drain removal or breakage.