POSTOPERATIVE DRAINS AT THE DONOR SITES OF ILIAC – CREST BONE GRAFTS AT PHICHIT HOSPITAL

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study and compare signs of infection with or without drainage device at the donor sites of iliac – crest bone grafts. A prospective study was performed to assess the effectiveness of postoperative closed suction drainage. Fifty consecutive procedures involving autologous iliac – crest bone graft were performed, from July 20, 1999, to March 29, 2003, following fracture of tibia in 50 patients. Twenty – five of the sites from which the bone graft had been obtained were drained with a single large Redivac device. The drains were maintained for two days postoperatively. The remaining twenty – five incisions were closed without a drainage device. All patients were evaluated clinically for problems with wound – healing. The incisions were closed without a drainage device. All patients were evaluated clinically for problems with wound – healing. The incisions were considered to be healed when they had been asymptomatic for six months. No patients who had problems with wound healing in both groups. The findings of this study do not support the routine use of drainage at the donor sites of  iliac – crest bone grafts.