Objective: Pain and effusion after surgery can lead to limited range of motion (ROM) and quadriceps dysfunction. The modified Robert Jones bandage (MRJB) has been proposed to reduce bleeding, pain, tissue edema, effusion and hemarthrosis after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the benefit of the MRJB in improving performance and functional outcome after TKA is still questionable. The present study compared timed up-and-go test scores (TUG) and Oxford knee score (OKS) between cases using the MRJB and those using a non-compressive dressing (NCD) after TKA.

Materials and Methods: Seventy patients undergoing unilateral primary TKA were randomly assigned to one of two groups of 35 patients each according to type of postoperative dressing. Group 1 had an MRJB applied for 24 hours while Group 2 received an NCD. Six weeks after surgery, TUG and OKS were measured and scores were compared between the groups. Postoperative drained blood loss, pain score, degree of knee swelling, ROM, and complications were also recorded and compared as secondary outcomes.

Results: There were no significant differences in the mean TUG scores (MRJB 16.5±7.5 scores versus NCD 17.6±11.4 scores, p=0.769) or mean OKS (MRJB 34.8±5.6 points versus NCD 35.3±5.8 points, p=0.722). Postoperative drained blood loss, pain score, degree of knee swelling, ROM, and complications were also similar between the group using the MRJB and that using an NCD.

Conclusion: The use of the MRJB does not improve either performance or functional outcome after primary unilateral TKA. Trial registration: Clinicaltrial.gov NCT02701946.

Keywords: Knee arthroplasty, Bandage, Dressing, Performance, RCT