Abstract
Introduction: The use of lower limb tourniquets is routine in lower limb surgery. Several methods have been used often based on surgical preference. Aim: To establish the pain quality in patients undergoing forefoot surgery with the tourniquet placed at the ankle and the calf. Method: A prospective randomised trial was undertaken. Assessment of peri-operative and postoperative pain in 30 patients undergoing forefoot surgery under local anaesthetic was undertaken. All calf and ankle tourniquets were inßated just before surgery. Patients were concealed randomised to either midcalf or ankle tourniquet. Cuffs were inßated to 100 mm Hg above the systolic pressure. Pain and pulse were measured pre-operatively and at 5 minutes, 10 minutes and at 10-minute intervals. We also assessed the quality of the þeld. Results: Both the tourniquet positions gave very good þelds however the use of the ankle tourniquet was far less painful at 5,10,20 and 30 minutes after the operation started p< 0.0001. Conclusion: We conclude that the ankle tourniquet gives an excellent bloodless þeld whilst providing a far less discomfort.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
