Treatment of knee sprains: modified Robert Jones or elastic support bandage?

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to compare in a prospective randomized study the outcome of painful, traumatic knee injuries when treated with either the modified Robert Jones (MRJB) or elastic support bandage (ESB). Patients with moderate or severe unilateral knee injury presenting to our department within 24 h were randomized into two treatment groups receiving either the MRJB or an ESB. The main outcome parameters of the study were the amount of pain relief required, the speed of recovery, mobility and patient preference. The results of our study of 40 patients indicate that the two treatments were equally effective in treating knee sprains, and patients preferred the ESB in the early post-injury period. Therefore, we see no reason to continue using the MRJB for the treatment of sprained knees in the accident and emergency (A&E) setting when a more patient acceptable, time and cost-effective treatment is available.

Can A Modified Robert Jones Bandage After Knee Arthroplasty Reduce Blood Loss? A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

“…We found similar levels of pain and swelling in both groups in our study. The complications, including bruises and blisters [7], appeared to occur more in Group 1.…”

“…Based on the results, we could not conclude the advantages of reducing blood loss and transfused blood units in clinical practice. In a study comparing the advantage of the MRJB with the elastic support bandage in patients with knee sprains, Hughes et al [7] found no differences in the VAS for pain, ranges of motion, and analgesic consumption from the initial period to 3 weeks postoperative. However, they reported an elastic support bandage made the patients feel more comfortable than the MRJB during the first week in the early postinjury period.…”

“…However, if a compressive dressing is applied with an inappropriate technique, an overly tight dressing will obliterate blood flow to subcutaneous tissue and cause tissue ischemia [14]. The complications associated with a compression dressing include peroneal nerve palsy [10] and discomfort from the cumbersome, thick dressing [7]. We have observed pressure ulcers, bruises, and blisters from too-tight dressings, and dried blood from surgical wound bleeding in the cotton; it also renders examination of the wound impossible.…”

“…Various surgical techniques [9,11,16,17,19], medications [5,15,22], and postoperative protocols [2,4,8,12] to reduce bleeding have been proposed. Various postoperative approaches including cold compresses [6], elastic bandage support [7], and compressive dressings [1] also have been reported for reduction of bleeding, soft tissue edema, and hemarthroses.…”

Management of Knee Injuries in the Accident and Emergency Department

“…Most patients with knee injuries are initially managed symptomatically using a variety of means such as a pressure bandage, a splint, crutches, and painkillers; then, after 4 days, they are reviewed in the general surgical outpatient clinic [7].…”