Tourniquets are routinely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with an estimated use by up to 93% of surgeons. Advantages include the ability to provide a bloodless field of view to facilitate cement application and increase the success of the procedure. Overall reduction in blood loss is another perceived advantage, however recent research has demonstrated no measurable reduction and conversely a substantial increase in complications such as deep vein thrombosis and systemic emboli. Given the significant complications of tourniquet use we aim to identify patients’ views on tourniquets and of emphasis their awareness of the possible risks involved prior to the procedure. A questionnaire-based study was carried out on 35 patients attending an elective orthopaedic centre for TKA surgery. Ethical approval was granted by NRES committee – East of England (REC Ref: 14/EE/1265). Patients were provided with an information sheet detailing the reasons for the tourniquet use and the associated risks and benefits. They were then provided with a questionnaire to ascertain their views and previous understanding of the subject. Simple statistical measures were implemented to analyse the data.Background
Method
Tourniquets are routinely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with an estimated use by up to 93% of surgeons. Advantages include the ability to provide a bloodless field of view to facilitate cement application and increase the success of the procedure. Overall reduction in blood loss is another perceived advantage, however recent research has demonstrated no measurable reduction and conversely a substantial increase in complications such as deep vein thrombosis and systemic emboli. Given the significant complications of tourniquet use we aim to identify patients' views on tourniquets and of emphasis their awareness of the possible risks involved prior to the procedure. A questionnaire-based study was carried out on 35 patients attending an elective orthopaedic centre for TKA surgery. Ethical approval was granted by NRES committee – East of England (REC Ref: 14/EE/1265). Patients were provided with an information sheet detailing the reasons for the tourniquet use and the associated risks and benefits. They were then provided with a questionnaire to ascertain their views and previous understanding of the subject. Simple statistical measures were implemented to analyse the data.Background
Method
