The efficacy and safety of Modified Robert Jones bandage in total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of modified Robert Jones bandage in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is controversial. On the basis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the modified Robert Jones bandage in TKA.

METHODS: The electronic databases of EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched from the inception to November 2018 for all relevant English studies. The outcome measurements consisted of total blood loss, hemoglobin decline, transfusion rates, pain score, range of motion, length of hospitalization, knee circumference difference, and adverse effects. Data were analyzed using STATA 14.0 software (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, United Kingdom).Quality assessment was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook for systematic review of interventions.

RESULTS: A total of 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The present meta-analysis indicated that there were no significant differences in terms of total blood loss, hemoglobin decline, transfusion rates, pain score, range of motion, length of hospitalization, knee circumference difference, or adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS: Although published articles have shown improved outcome of blood loss, pain, and knee swelling after application of a modified Robert Jones bandage, our study suggest the use of modified Robert Jones bandage may not be necessary after primary TKA.