Tourniquet use during total knee arthroplasty does not offer significant benefit: A retrospective cohort study

Mutlu S., Guler O., Mutlu H., Karaman O., Duymus T. M., Parmaksizoglu A. S.

International Journal of Surgery, vol.18, pp.123-127, 2015 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 18
  • Publication Date: 2015
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.04.054
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Surgery
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.123-127
  • Keywords: Blood loss, Knee, Knee replacement surgery, Tourniquet, Total knee arthroplasty
  • Istanbul Medipol University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Introduction: Tourniquets are routinely employed during total knee arthroplasty; however, their use remains controversial. Methods: This study investigates the efficacy and safety of this practice. A retrospective analysis of 186 patients was performed to assess benefits and/or risks associated with tourniquet use during knee arthroplasty. Total knee arthroplasty was performed using the Biomet Vanguard® PCL Prosthesis (Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA). In total, 126 patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty were included in our final analysis. Results: Patients with tourniquets had significantly less intraoperative blood loss than patients without (P<.001); patients without tourniquets required more blood transfusions (P=551), and had significantly longer surgical times (P=011). However, patients with tourniquets had more postoperative blood loss (P<.001), longer hospital stays (P=013), and more frequent complications (P=571). Blood transfusion requirement was significantly associated with complications (P<.001). Conclusions: Tourniquet use provided no overall benefit.