Suction drainage influence on knee effusion following partial meniscectomy with partial fat pad or synovium resection

Objective: The aim of our study was to examine the effect of suction drains on knee after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy with partial fat pad removal or synovectomy. Methods: We performed arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for posterior tears of the medial meniscus and partial fat pad or synovium shaving in 72 patients. Following surgery, a suction drain was not used in 40 patients (Group A) and used in 32 (Group B). Both groups were similar in terms of age, gender, and total operation time. The patients were evaluated at 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively for the presence of a knee effusion. Results: No significant difference was observed in the grade of effusion and the average percent change in the effusion grade between Groups A and B at 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion: Use of a suction drain did not influence the postoperative effusion or the clinical course of the effusion after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy with partial fat pad removal or synovectomy.