Tourniquet Use Does Not Affect Pain and Function after Total Knee Arthroplasty: Patient Evaluation According to Pain Threshold

We evaluated the effect of using a tourniquet on early-stage pain and 1-year postoperative functional outcomes when patients were divided into two groups according to the pain threshold (PT). Overall, 120 patients who were assessed preoperatively with an algometer were recruited for this prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized to undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a tourniquet (group 1, 60 patients) and without tourniquet (group 2, 60 patients). Primary outcome measures were visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at 24, 36, and 48 hours postoperatively and functional assessment with Knee Society Score (KSS) test at 1 year postoperatively. No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of gender (49 females and 8 males in group 1 vs. 53 females and 6 males in group 2; p = 0.201) and age (68.9 years in group 1 vs. 68.7 years in group 2; p = 0.811). There was no significant difference between groups in all the VAS and KSS 1 and KSS 2 scores. PT measurements ranged from 2.5 to 11.5 with a mean of 7.69 ± 1.70 and a median of 8. Total 54 patients with a median value of < 8 were defined as the low-PT group, and 62 patients with a median value of ≥ 8 were defined as the high-PT group. When the groups were evaluated according to using the tourniquet, 21 patients were operated on with a tourniquet and 33 patients without it in the low-PT group, while 36 patients were operated on with a tourniquet and 26 patients without it in the high-PT group. There was no significant difference in pain or functional scores between patients when comparing with-tourniquet and without-tourniquet or when comparing the low- and high-PT groups. This showed that the use of a tourniquet during TKA was not associated with either early-stage pain or 1-year postoperative functional outcomes according to algometer evaluation.Level of evidence: Level 1 prospective randomized study.

Not Using a Tourniquet May Reduce the Incidence of Asymptomatic Deep Venous Thrombosis After ACL Reconstruction: An Observational Study

Background: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism are serious potential complications after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Little is known about the influence of tourniquet use on the incidence of DVT after ACLR. Purpose: To compare the incidence of DVT after ACLR with and without the use of a tourniquet. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Between November 2018 and May 2020, a total of 60 consecutive ACLRs in 60 patients, including 7 revision surgeries, were performed without tourniquet use at our hospital and were enrolled in this study (T– group). In addition, 55 consecutive ACLRs in 55 patients, including 10 revision surgeries, were performed with tourniquet use between April 2017 and September 2018 and were enrolled as the control group (T+ group). DVT was diagnosed using ultrasonography of both legs performed preoperatively and at postoperative week 1. The incidence of postoperative DVT was compared between the T– and T+ groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of older age (≥40 vs <40 years) and tourniquet use on the occurrence of DVT. Results: No DVTs were detected preoperatively. The incidence of postoperative DVT was significantly lower in the T– group compared with the T+ group (1 patient [1.7%] vs 9 patients [16.4%]; P = .005). All patients with DVT were asymptomatic. Although the mean operative time was not significantly different (80.8 minutes in the T+ group vs 78.5 minutes in the T– group; P = .461), the mean blood loss from the drain was significantly lower in the T– group than in the T+ group (149.9 vs 201.9 mL; P < .001). Age ≥40 years and tourniquet use were significantly related to the occurrence of DVT (odds ratio, 8.3 [95% CI, 1.9-36.8]; P = .005; and odds ratio, 8.8 [95% CI, 1.0-75.3]; P = .047, respectively). Conclusion: ACLRs performed without tourniquet resulted in a significantly lower incidence of DVT after ACLR and significantly less bleeding from drains. If adequate visibility of the surgical field is obtained, ACLR without tourniquet use may reduce the incidence of DVT.

Improving the Quality of Venous Blood Sampling Procedure (Phlebotomy): Avoiding Tourniquet Use

Background Phlebotomy guidelines discourage tourniquet use whenever possible. We assessed phlebotomists' capability of not using the tourniquet in venous blood sampling, hypothesizing it to be equal to 50% of the patients attended, and identifying the most frequent venipuncture site. Materials and Methods We assigned two phlebotomists of the same age (41 years) and experience (20 years) to record 10 phlebotomy days, the first with prioritized and the latter with nonprioritized patients. Each acquired daily data for the number of attended patients, age, gender, frequency of nontourniquet usage, and punctured vein. To test our work hypothesis we used the two-tailed single sample t-test. Differences between age-group means and nontourniquet use means by each phlebotomist were tested by two-tailed t-test for independent means. Results In 10 phlebotomy days, 683 patients were attended (males 43.2%). We found no statistically significant difference between age-group means. The combined capability of nontourniquet use was 50.5%, which did not differ from our null hypothesis, but the difference in individual group means was statistically significant, the means being 33% and 66.9% (prioritized vs. nonprioritized). The medial cubital vein was the most prone to be punctured (77.7%). Conclusion Performing phlebotomies without tourniquet was possible in at least half of the attended patients, though it was more limited in specific group populations.

Important updates of finger fractures, entrapment neuropathies and wide-awake surgery of the upper extremity

Hand surgery is rapidly changing. The wide-awake approach, minimum dissection surgery and early protected movement have changed many things. This is an update of some of the important changes regarding early protected movement with K-wired finger fracture management, simplification of nerve decompression surgery, such as elbow median and ulnar nerve releases, and some new areas in performing surgery with wide-awake local anaesthesia without tourniquet.

The risks associated with tourniquet use in lower limb trauma surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose Tourniquet use in lower limb fracture surgery may reduce intra-operative bleeding, improve surgical field of view and reduce length of procedure. However, tourniquets may result in pain and the production of harmful metabolites cause complications or affect functional outcomes. This systematic review aimed to compare outcomes following lower limb fracture surgery performed with or without tourniquet. Methods We searched databases for RCTs comparing lower limb fracture surgery performed with versus without tourniquet reporting on outcomes pain, physical function, health-related quality of life, complications, cognitive function, blood loss, length of stay, length of procedure, swelling, time to union, surgical field of view, volume of anaesthetic agent, biochemical markers of inflammation and injury, and electrolyte and acid–base balance. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed. PROSPERO ID CRD42020209310. Results Six RCTs enabled inclusion of 552 procedures. Pooled analysis demonstrated that tourniquet use reduced length of procedure by 6 minutes (95% CI −10.12 to −1.87; p < 0.010). We were unable to exclude increased harms from tourniquet use. Pooled analysis showed post-operative pain score was higher in tourniquet group by 12.88 on 100-point scale (95% CI −1.25–27.02; p = 0.070). Risk differences for wound infection, deep venous thrombosis and re-operation were 0.06 (95% CI −0.00–0.12; p = 0.070), 0.05 (95% CI −0.02–0.11; p = 0.150) and 0.03 (95% CI -0.03–0.09; p = 0.340). Conclusion Tourniquet use was associated with a reduced length of procedure. It is possible that tourniquets also increase incidence of important complications, but the data are too sparse to draw firm conclusions. Methodological weaknesses of the included RCTs prevent any solid conclusions being drawn for outcomes investigated. Further studies are required to address these limitations.

Prehospital Tourniquets in Civilians: A Systematic Review

Objectives: Terrorist attacks and civilian mass-casualty events are frequent, and some countries have implemented tourniquet use for uncontrollable extremity bleeding in civilian settings. The aim of this study was to summarize current knowledge on the use of prehospital tourniquets to assess whether their use increases the survival rate in civilian patients with life-threatening hemorrhages from the extremities. Design: Systematic literature review in Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Library, and Epistemonikos was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. The search was performed in January 2019. Setting: All types of studies that examined use of tourniquets in a prehospital setting published after January 1, 2000 were included. Primary/Secondary Outcomes: The primary outcome was mortality with and without tourniquet, while adverse effects of tourniquet use were secondary outcomes. Results: Among 3,460 screened records, 55 studies were identified as relevant. The studies were highly heterogeneous with low quality of evidence. Most studies reported increased survival in the tourniquet group, but few had relevant comparators, and the survival benefit was difficult to estimate. Most studies reported a reduced need for blood transfusion, with few and mainly transient adverse effects from tourniquet use. Conclusion: Despite relatively low evidence, the studies consistently suggested that the use of commercial tourniquets in a civilian setting to control life-threatening extremity hemorrhage seemed to be associated with improved survival, reduced need for blood transfusion, and few and transient adverse effects.

Total Knee Arthroplasty with and without Tourniquet: Comparative study

Background The use of tourniquet during complete knee arthroplasty (TKA) improves protection and reduces blood loss intraoperative. Turniquet use, however, may also have a negative impact after TKA on early recovery of muscle strength and lower extremity function. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effect of tourniquet use in TKA on surgery length, need for blood transfusion, and amount of postoperative blood drainage by suction drain, incidence of postoperative wound hematoma, postoperative thigh pain, and early mobilization.Methods Seventy Patients are involved in this study and were divided into two groups; Group A (35) patients were treated with TKA with pneumatic thigh tourniquet. Group B (35) patients were treated with TKA without tourniquet. All patients were suffering from severe knee osteoarthritis and they failed to respond to conservative treatment so they are candidates for primary TKA. The two groups are matched related to age and gender. Selection of patients into two groups done randomly with regard of odd number for group A and even number for group B.Results The results showed no significant difference regarding age, gender, postoperative DVT and wound hematoma between group A (when tourniquet was used) and group B (when tourniquet was not used) although we have 2 patients developed DVT and 3 patients had wound hematoma in group A but these are statistically not significant. Regarding post-operative VAS for thigh pain was significantly less in group B and this will result in early mobilization. Also there was significant difference in duration of surgery between two groups with less time in group A due to bloodless field of tourniquet while there was significantly more postoperative drainage amount of blood through the surgical drains in group A and significantly more amount of blood transfusion perioperatively in group B which explain that tourniquet can reduce the total amount of blood loss in TKA.Conclusion There is significant effect of tourniquet in TKA on thigh pain postoperatively, which will effect postoperative mobilization and rehabilitation. Also the tourniquet can result in significant reduction in time of operation, total blood loss and amount of blood transfusion.

Blood loss and knee function after unicompartment knee arthroplasty(UKA) without tourniquet

BackgroundThe characteristics of blood loss and knee function after unicompartment knee arthroplasty(UKA) remains unclear. Utilization of tourniquet is considered to compromise the outcome of knee arthroplasty. This study aims to evaluate the hidden blood loss and function restoration of UKA without tourniquet by comparing with total knee arthroplasty(TKA).MethodsIn this retrospective study, a total of 112 patients were included from August 2017 to October 2018. Both the UKA group (n = 56) and the TKA group (n = 56) underwent procedure without utilization of tourniquet during the whole process. The gender, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, preioperative Hb, and volume of hidden blood loss (HBL) were recorded and analysed. Knee function was assessed at 3 month and 12 month after procedure by using HSS score.ResultThe mean volume of HBL was significant lower in UKA group (324.23ml ± 147.05, 864.82ml ± 206.37, P = 0.001). The HSS score was higher in UKA group 3 month after procedure (88.16 ± 5.57, 83.04 ± 4.88, P = 0.033). No HBL difference was observed in either groups in terms of gender nor age. Hb level dropped to the bottom at the 4th day postoperatively. No correlation was observed between HBL and knee function.ConclusionWithout utilization of tourniquet, the HBL could not be ignored in UKA though it is much less than TKA, and the knee function was not compromised by it.Trial registrationCurrent trial ISRCTN85133278 (Retrospectively registered on 06 April 2020).

Improving the quality of venous blood sampling procedure (phlebotomy): avoiding tourniquet use

BackgroundGuidelines for venous blood sampling procedure (phlebotomy) discourage tourniquet use whenever possible. Here, we aimed to assess the Biomedical Scientists capability of not using the tourniquet in phlebotomy, which we hypothesized to be equal to 50% of the patients attended, and identifying the most frequent venipuncture site.Materials and MethodsWe selected and assigned two (BMS) with the same age (41 years) and experience (20 years) to record ten phlebotomy days, the first with prioritized and the latter with non-prioritized patients. In a simple record form, each acquired daily data for the number of attended patients, age and gender, the frequency of non-tourniquet usage and the punctured vein. To test our work hypothesis we used the two-tailed single sample t-test (p < 0.05). Differences between age-group means and non-tourniquet use means by each BMS were tested by two-tailed t-test for independent means (p < 0.05).ResultsIn 10 phlebotomy days 683 patients were attended, with males representing 43,2% of the population. We found no statistically difference between age-group means. The combined capability of non-tourniquet use was 50,5%, which did not differ from our null hypothesis, but the individual group-means were statistically different, being 33% and 66.9% in the prioritized vs non-prioritized group. The medial cubital vein was the most prone to be punctured (77,7%).ConclusionsWe have shown that performing phlebotomies without tourniquet use is possible and desirable in at least half of the attended patients, though being more limited in specific group populations. Our results provide room for quality improvement in the laboratory pre-analytical phase.Key points summaryWe assessed the capability of Biomedical Scientists not using the tourniquet in real life blood sampling procedures for diagnostic purposes.Blood was collected from at least half of the attended patients without tourniquet use.Biomedical Scientists were able to prioritize the antecubital veins without tourniquet application (medial cubital vein the most prone to be punctured - 78% of attempts).