Effects of tourniquet release on blood loss in total knee replacement

ABSTRACT

Thirty patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were divided into two groups to determine the effects of tourniquet release and hemostasis on postoperative blood loss. Patients were randomly divided in two groups. In-group A, the tourniquet was deflated intraoperatiye after the prosthetic components were settled and hemostasis was done. In-group B, the tourniquet was released after the wound was closed and compressive bandage was applied. The aim of the current study was to estimate the effects of tourniquet release and cementing on blood loss associated with total knee replacement. Mean postoperative blood loss was 882.83 ml [325-1.317] in-group A and 743.32 ml [320-1.173] in-group B. Variables such as anti-inflammatory drug use; anesthetics; soft tissue release; and component fixation were analyzed. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative blood loss, decrease in hemoglobin, transfusion need or incidence of wound or thromboembolic complications The diagnosis was osteoarthritis in 83.3% of cases and rheumatoid arthritis in 16.7%. All prostheses were cemented and posterior stabilized knee prostheses were used in all cases. The mean length of surgery was 150 minutes in-group A and 120 minutes in-group B. We conclude that tourniquet release for hemostasis is not an effective means of limiting postoperative blood loss or reducing transfusion need after primary total knee replacement