The timing of tourniquet release and its influence on blood loss after total knee arthroplasty

Authors: Hersekli, Murat¹; Akpinar, Sercan²; Ozkoc, Gurkan²; Ozalay, Metin²; Uysal, Mustafa²; Cesur, Necip²; Tandogan, Reha²

Source: International Orthopaedics, Volume 28, Number 3, June 2004 , pp. 138-141(4)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

We performed a prospective, randomized study on 76 patients (82 knees) scheduled for total knee arthroplasty to determine the effect of tourniquet release and hemostasis on the peri- and postoperative blood loss. Patients were randomly divided in two groups. Posterior cruciate retaining tricompartmental total knee prostheses were used in all. In group 1, the tourniquet was deflated intraoperatively after the prosthetic components were settled and hemostasis was done. In group 2, the tourniquet was released after the wound was closed and a compressive bandage was applied. Mean blood drainage was 880.85 ml (320–1,315) in group 1 and 745.36 ml (220–1,175) in group 2 (p=0.03). The mean number of blood transfusions given, hemoglobin and hematocrit values, operation time, and tourniquet time were similar in both groups. Intraoperative tourniquet release and hemostasis does not reduce total blood loss in total knee arthroplasty.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00264-004-0550-5

Affiliations: 1: Baskent University Medical Faculty, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Adana Medical Center, Dadaloglu mah, 39 sok No 6, 01250, Yuregir Adana, Turkey, Email: mhersekli@hotmail.com 2: Baskent University Medical Faculty, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Adana Medical Center, Dadaloglu mah, 39 sok No 6, 01250, Yuregir Adana, Turkey,

Publication date: 2004-06-01