Evaluation of Blood Loss and Pain in TKA With and Without Pneumatic Tourniquet, A Randomized Controlled Trial

Tourniquets are widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) . TKA has been reported to be associated with significant blood loss which at times necessitates transfusion. Although the tourniquet is widely used by orthopedic surgeons, its role is controversial . Several studies have shown that using a tourniquet in TKA could reduce the total blood loss, while results from others indicated the opposite . Therefore the relationship between the use of a tourniquet and the total blood loss of patients undergoing TKA is still unclear. The use of a tourniquet is believed to be effective for decreasing intraoperative blood loss and creating a bloodless surgical field, which theoretically would facilitate the cementing technique and other surgical procedures. However, reactive blood flow reaches its peak within five minutes after the tourniquet has been released Complications reported as a consequence of tourniquet application are skin injury [skin abrasions, blisters, breaks , pressure necrosis], nerve injury, post tourniquet syndrome, Deep venous thrombosis, Postoperative pain, wound healing disorders and early infections