Short term outcomes of long duration versus short duration tourniquet in primary total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION

A tourniquet is used during the total knee replacement surgery to improve the visibility, to reduce the blood loss and for better cementation. Indirectly it decreases the duration of surgery and enhances the recovery of the patient. Their use however is controversial due to some side effects associated with the use of tourniquet. They may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism by causing venous stasis, endothelial damage and increased platelet adhesion secondary to distal limb ischemia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine the benefits and risks associated with the use of long duration over short duration tourniquets during TKA. The study was a prospective randomised control trial with a total of 80 knees (40 knees in each group) included in the study. The knees selected for surgery were randomly allocated to one of the two groups: Group A - long duration tourniquet (LT-group) or Group B - short duration tourniquet (ST-group).

RESULT

The average operating time in Group A (43.53±3.11 minutes) was statistically less significant than that of Group B (51.7±2.56 minutes). Intra-operative blood loss in Group B, was significantly more than that of Group A. Post-operative blood loss in the drain was more in long duration tourniquet group. Total blood loss (intra-operative + post-operative) was more in short duration tourniquet group. Pain score (using VAS scale) was comparable in both the groups at the end of the second and sixth week. At sixth weeks there was no significant difference in the range of motion in both the groups. The KSS score was not significantly different in both the groups in post operative period at first, second, and six weeks. There were no events of thrombo-embolism and deep vein thrombosis in either groups. In 11 patients (27.5%) of long duration tourniquet group, swelling, and redness of knee was seen post operatively as compared to three patients (7.5%) of short duration tourniquet group.

CONCLUSION

The use of a short duration tourniquet during TKA gives better symptomatic pain relief in the early postoperative period as compared to long duration use of tourniquet. However, this is associated with increased blood loss, more operating time and not having a clear operative field. We suggest that a rational thinking and reconsidering the practice of routine use of long duration tourniquet in each and every case of TKA is required.