Changes in dimensions of total knee arthroplasty anterior knee dressings during flexion: Preliminary findings

IntroductionWound care is critical to the management of patients post total knee arthroplasty, requiring prudent selection of dressings that can accommodate changes in wound length during knee flexion. This study aims to quantify differences in dressing dimensions based on the position of the knee during the application of the dressing and subsequent flexion.MethodsOur study involved 40 knees divided into 2 groups, an extension group and a flexion group, each consisting of 20 knees. These groups had dressings applied to the knee in full extension and in 90° of flexion respectively. Measurements of the dressings were taken for the extension group with the knee in extension and for both groups at 90° of flexion.ResultsFor the extension group, the changes in length and breadth of the dressings when measured in 90° of flexion were 3.42 ± 0.15 cm, p < 0.001 and −0.43 ± 0.10 cm, p < 0.001 respectively. Compared to the flexion group, the differences in length and breadth between the dressings when measured in 90° of flexion were 3.48 ± 0.15 cm, p < 0.001 and −0.14 ± 0.12 cm, p < 0.001 respectively.ConclusionThere are significant differences and changes in the dimensions of knee dressings depending on the position of the knee during the application of dressing and subsequent flexion.