The Influence of Tourniquet during Total Knee Arthroplasty on Perioperative Blood Loss and Postoperative Complications

Abstract Previous studies have shown that tourniquet (TQ) during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with nerve injury and deep vein thrombosis. However, it is still not clear whether TQ which is effective in decreasing intraoperative blood loss and creating a bloodless surgical fields, is beneficial in management during and after TKA. We compared intra- and postoperative management of patients undergoing TKA with (Group T, n = 41) and that without a TQ (Group N, n = 40) at Toyama Prefectural Central Hospital. The intraoperative blood loss in group T was less than that in group N, but perioperative blood loss showed no significant defference between the two groups. Pain and nerve injury between the two groups were comparable for 24 hours postoperatively. There was no significant defference in the incidence of DVT, and no pulmonary thromboembolism occurred. Using a TQ which could not decrease the amount of perioperative blood loss did not affect the incidences of postoperative pain, nerve injury and, risk of DVT between the two groups.