A simple technique to avoid suturing in the drain during total knee arthroplasty

Figure 2 Clinical photograph demonstrating the long distal drain still protruding after closure of the arthrotomy (Fig 1). Close the arthrotomy from proximal to distal, leaving the distal end protruding (Fig 2). As you reach the end of the wound where the drain exits the arthrotomy, withdraw the drain to length. As the drain withdraws easily, you can be sure that it has not been sutured into the wound. If it cannot be removed at this stage, the arthrotomy is easily explored.