POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOME IN OPEN REDUCTION AND INTERNAL FIXATION OF FEMUR FRACTURES WITH AND WITHOUT CLOSED SUCTION WOUND DRAINAGE – A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: The routine use of closed suction wound drainage (CSD) following orthopedic surgeries remains controversial. While drains are traditionally believed to reduce postoperative hematoma and surgical site infection (SSI), emerging evidence questions their routine application, particularly in fracture fixation surgeries. Objectives: To compare postoperative outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of femur fractures with and without closed suction wound drainage. Methods: This prospective randomized comparative study was conducted on 56 adult patients undergoing ORIF for closed femur fractures at a tertiary care center. Patients were randomized into two groups: Group A (with closed suction drain, n=28) and Group B (without drain, n=28). Outcomes assessed included incidence of surgical site infection, wound soakage, perioperative blood loss, need for blood transfusion and duration of hospital stay. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding surgical site infection, postoperative pain scores, blood loss, or length of hospital stay (p>0.05). Dressing soakage was more frequent in the non-drain group, but this difference was not statistically significant. The use of closed suction drainage did not demonstrate any additional benefit in reducing postoperative complications. Conclusion: Routine use of closed suction wound drainage following ORIF of femur fractures does not significantly improve postoperative outcomes and may be safely omitted in uncomplicated cases.