Research progress of tourniquet in patients with vascular calcification undergoing knee arthroplasty / 中国医师杂志

ABSTRACT

The use of tourniquets in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) helps to obtain a blood-free operating space and clear anatomical landmarks, reduce the operation time and intraoperative bleeding and facilitate bone cement fixation. Arterial calcification is relatively common in the elderly people. There is still no consensus on whether it is safe to use tourniquets in patients with arterial calcification in total knee arthroplasty. Some studies showed that the use of tourniquets in patients with vascular calcification does not increase postoperative complications. Other studies showed that the use of tourniquets in patients with calcification will increase postoperative vascular complications. This article reviews the use of tourniquets in patients with vascular calcification. It is recommended that patients with vascular calcification should undergo detailed lower extremity vascular and cardiovascular assessments before surgery. The consult to a vascular surgeon is important. For patients with extensive vascular calcification, It's better to avoid the use of tourniquets during TKA to reduce possible complications.