Manual lymphatic drainage before and after total knee arthroplasty, a randomized controlled trial

PurposeManual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a routine therapeutic technique used to decrease peripheral oedema by activating lymphatic drainage. Evidence for its efficacy remains sparse. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of MLD before and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsThis was a single-centre randomized, controlled and observer-blinded trial. 112 patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: group 1 underwent MLD for 30 min daily on five consecutive days both before and after TKA; group 2 underwent MLD for 30 min daily on five consecutive days only after TKA; and the control group did not undergo MLD. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, range of knee motion, swelling and pain were assessed before TKA, after two days, five days and six weeks.ResultsThe overall age of the patients was 69.4 years (SD = 9.8, range = 41–87). The groups were well matched in terms of sex, age, height, weight, and body mass index. There was no statistically significant difference with regard to any of the outcome measures between the groups.ConclusionsThe present results indicate that MLD had no significant benefits when applied either before or early after TKA. Therefore, we do not recommend the routinely use of MLD in the early period before or after TKA. Further studies should evaluate the effect of MLD after arthroscopic surgery.Level of evidenceTherapeutic Level II, Lower quality RCT with follow up <80 %