Iodine-Impregnated Adhesive Film Enhances Dressing Integrity and Patient Satisfaction After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Conventional film dressings (CFDs) are routinely applied for approximately 2 weeks after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to maintain a moist wound environment and prevent contamination. Premature dressing detachment, particularly after showering, may increase dressing changes, elevate wound care costs, and reduce patient satisfaction. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of an iodine-impregnated adhesive film (IAF)–covered CFD compared with CFD alone after primary TKA. Methods In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA were allocated to receive either IAF-covered CFD (IAF group) or CFD alone (control group). The primary outcome was the number of dressing changes required after hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes included dressing integrity (peel-off), patient satisfaction, time to resume showering, wound care–related costs, wound complications, and postoperative knee flexion at 2 and 6 weeks. Results Eighty-six patients were included (IAF: 45; control: 41). No postdischarge dressing changes were required in the IAF group (0 ± 0) compared with 0.8 ± 0.8 in the control group ( P < .001). Dressing integrity was fully maintained in the IAF group (100% without peel-off), whereas the control group showed significantly higher detachment rates ( P < .001). Patient satisfaction was higher in the IAF group (9.9 ± 0.3 vs 6.4 ± 2.2; P < .001), and showering was resumed earlier (3.1 ± 0.4 vs 4.6 ± 2.7 days; P = .047). Postoperative knee flexion and wound complication rates were comparable between groups. Conclusions IAF-covered CFD significantly reduces dressing detachment and postoperative dressing changes, improves patient satisfaction, facilitates earlier showering, and lowers wound care–related costs without compromising clinical outcomes after TKA. Level of Evidence Therapeutic level I.