The American journal of orthopedics
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We conducted this study to determine the effect of reinfusion drains on the difference in hemoglobin (Hb) levels before and after total knee arthroplasty. Of the 158 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty on one side, 74 had autologous blood transfusion through reinfusion drains (group 1); the other 84 did not have autologous blood transfusion, but ordinary suction drains were used to drain the wound during the immediate postoperative period (group 2). Mean preoperative Hb levels were 13.6 g/dL for group 1 (SD, 1.4 g/dL; range, 10.4-18.1 g/dL) and 13.6 g/dL for group 2 (SD, 1.3 g/dL; range, 10.0-16.7 g/dL). ⋯ The reinfusion drain cost pound 36.43 ( approximately US$58.87) more than the suction drain. Autologous blood from reinfusion drains did not significantly improve postoperative Hb levels. Further use of reinfusion drain is not cost-beneficial.