The Effects of Using a Tourniquet During Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Purpose: The effects of using tourniquet during knee arthroplasty were studied. Materials and
Methods: The effects of using a tourniquet during total knee arthroplasty were studied in 18 degenerative arthritic patients who were admitted to our clinic in the first half of 1996. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. 8 patients were operated on without use of tourniquet (Group I), and 10 patients with use of a tourniquet (Group II).
Results: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in operating time, total blood loss or development of deep vein thromboses and superficial wound infections. On the other hand, the patients in whom a tourniquet had not been used, achieved straight leg raising and knee flexion earlier.
Conclusion: Using a tourniquet during total knee arthroplasty, is not absoluletly necessary.