Effect of drain placed in the donor site in the early postoperative period after arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadrupled hamstring tendons

Background: No scientific study has addressed the effects of the routine use of postoperative drains in the donor site after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendons. Hypothesis: Patients who have drains placed in their donor sites have less lower extremity edema, more motion, and more comfort in the early postoperative period. Study Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1 Methods: Thirty-four patients undergoing arthroscopically assisted quadruple hamstring tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were randomly assigned to either receive a drain for 24 hours placed at the donor site (17 patients) or have no drain at the donor site (17 patients). Data were collected on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7 regarding knee flexion, knee extension, thigh circumference, leg circumference, and visual analog scale (measuring pain). Results: In the study group versus the control group, there were increased knee flexion measurements on postoperative day 7 (84 vs 69, P < .05); smaller thigh circumference measurements on postoperative day 7 (36.8 vs 40.1 cm, P < .05); smaller leg circumference measurements on postoperative days 3 (33.2 vs 36.4 cm, P < .05), 5 (32.7 vs 36.0 cm, P < .05), and 7 (31.8 vs 35.7 cm, P < .001); and a lower visual analog scale score on postoperative days 3 (40.38 vs 57.50, P = .001), 5 (38.46 vs 60.35, P = .001), and 7 (38.07 vs 61.43, P = .001). Conclusion: Drain placement at the donor site after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction gives more comfort to the patient and provides better flexion within the first week.