RCT of PICO dressings in primary hip and knee arthroplasty

What is it about?

220 patients were randomised to receive either PICO (Smith & Nephew) negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) or a standard dressing following primary hip and knee replacement. 209 patients completed the study and were included in the data analysis (102 PICO and 107 standard care). The aim of the study was to determine whether the addition of PICO NPWT for closed surgical management could give more predictable lengths of stay by managing the wound better.

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Why is it important?

Based on the results of this randomised controlled trial, PICO NPWT has been shown to have a beneficial role in primary hip and knee replacements to achieve predictable lengths of stay by reducing excessive hospital stays and minimising superficial wound complications. Statistical analysis of the data suggests that PICO NPWT would be most beneficial in patients with an ASA score ≥3 and BMI≥35.