Does the postoperative dressing regime affect wound healing after hip or knee arthroplasty?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this literature review is to enable practitioners to make informed decisions about how to manage patients with hip or knee arthroplasty wounds.

Method: A systematic critique of the evidence in relation to how the postoperative dressing regime may affect wound healing after hip or knee arthroplasty, was undertaken.

Results: No single treatment emerged as the ideal postoperative dressing regime for hip and knee arthroplasty wounds.

Conclusion: A selection of dressings is recommended for hip and knee arthroplasty wounds, on the basis of reducing the incidence of postoperative blistering and wound infection.