Tourniquet pressure settings based on limb occlusion pressure determination or arterial occlusion pressure estimation in total knee arthroplasty? A prospective, randomized, double blind trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the limb occlusion pressure (LOP) determination and arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) estimation methods for tourniquet pressure setting in adult patients undergoing knee arthroplasty under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. METHODS: Ninety-three patients were randomized into two groups. Pneumatic tourniquet inflation pressures were adjusted based either on LOP determination or AOP estimation in Group 1 (46 patients, 38 female and 8 male; mean age: 67.71 ± 9.17) and Group 2 (47 patients, 40 female and 7 male; mean age: 70.31 ± 8.27), respectively. Initial and maximal systolic blood pressures, LOP/AOP levels, required time to estimate AOP/determinate LOP and set the cuff pressure, initial and maximal tourniquet pressures and tourniquet time were recorded. The effectiveness of the tourniquet was assessed by the orthopedic surgeons using a Likert scale. RESULTS: Initial and maximal systolic blood pressures, determined LOP, estimated AOP, duration of tourniquet and the performance of the tourniquet were not different between groups. However, the initial (182.44 ± 14.59 mm Hg vs. 200.69 ± 15.55 mm Hg) and maximal tourniquet pressures (186.91 ± 12.91 mm Hg vs. 200.69 ± 15.55 mm Hg) were significantly lower, the time required to estimate AOP and set the tourniquet cuff pressure was significantly less (23.91 ± 4.77 s vs. 178.81 ± 25.46 s) in Group II (p = 0.000). No complications that could be related to the tourniquet were observed during or after surgery. CONCLUSION: Tourniquet inflation pressure setting based on AOP estimation method provides a bloodless surgical field that is comparable to that of LOP determination method with lower pneumatic inflation pressure and less required time for cuff pressure adjustment in adult patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty under combined spinal epidural anesthesia.

Obese patients require higher, but not high pneumatic tourniquet inflation pressures using a novel technique during total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effect of obesity on pneumatic tourniquet inflation pressures determined with a novel formula during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of 208 patients (19 males, 199 females; mean age 69.8 years; range, 53 to 84 years) who were performed TKA between January 2013 and December 2016 were evaluated prospectively. Patients were divided into two groups as non-obese (body mass index [BMI] ≤30.0 kg/m2) and obese (BMI >30.0 kg/m2) according to BMI. Tourniquet inflation pressures were set using arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) estimation method and adding 20 mmHg of safety margin to AOP value. All patients were assessed intra- and postoperatively with outcome measures such as systolic blood pressure, AOP, tourniquet pressure and its effectiveness. The quality of the surgical field and complications were assessed by the surgical team in a blinded fashion. RESULTS: The study included 118 and 90 lower extremity operations in obese and non-obese groups, respectively. Compared to non-obese group; extremity circumference, initial and maximal systolic blood pressures, AOP values, initial and maximal tourniquet pressures were higher in obese group. The performance of the tourniquet was assessed as "excellent" and "good" at almost all stages of the surgical procedure in all patients in both groups. No complication occurred intra- or postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Compared to non-obese patients, higher tourniquet inflation pressure is required in obese patients during TKA due to their wider extremity circumference and higher systolic blood pressure profile.

Practice of tourniquet use in Turkey: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate patterns in the current practice of tourniquet use in Turkey. The results of this study can provide detailed information regarding tourniquet use and evaluate the need for guidelines on tourniquet use in Turkey. METHODS: The questionnaire was sent to orthopedic residents and surgeons by either giving printed questionnaires directly or by establishing preliminary communication with surgeons and then sending questionnaires by e-mail. Participating staff consisted of 3 groups: Group 1: orthopedic surgeons; Group 2: orthopedic residents; and Group 3: orthopedic academic staff. Statistical differences in tourniquet use were analyzed among the groups. RESULTS: Use of mechanical tourniquet was significantly higher in Group 1. Plain cuffs were used in orthopedic surgical practice more frequently. Assistant and orthopedic theatre personnel were commonly reported by participants as the tourniquet applicant. Periodic educational practice was not routine. The number of reported complications was higher in Group 3. Cuff padding was generally routine practice. Scientifically valid options at lowest inflation pressure were not observed among the results at the expected rates. CONCLUSION: The results of this pilot study indicate that there is wide variation in some aspects of tourniquet practice in Turkey. The differences are not acceptable because of the potential for significant complications with some practices. There is a need to provide and ensure adequate education to provide the best patient care. Furthermore, protocols should be developed for acceptable standards of tourniquet use.

Clinical utilization of arterial occlusion pressure estimation method in lower limb surgery: effectiveness of tourniquet pressures.

OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of the arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) estimation method to set tourniquet inflation pressures was assessed in patients undergoing lower limb surgery. METHODS: One hundred ninety-eight operations were performed in 224 lower extremities of 193 patients. Tourniquet inflation pressures were set using the AOP estimation formula and adding 20 mmHg of safety margin to AOP value. Primary outcome measures were the amount of tourniquet pressure and its effectiveness. The quality of the surgical field and complications were assessed by the surgical team in a blinded fashion. Secondary measures included the time required to set the tourniquet pressure and complications. RESULTS: The initial and maximal tourniquet pressures used were 168.4±14.5 and 173.3±15.6 mmHg, respectively. The performance of the tourniquets was assessed as "excellent" and "good" in all stages of the procedure in 97.76% of cases. The time required to measure AOP and set the tourniquet cuff pressure was 19.0±2.6 sec. No complications occurred during or after surgery until discharge. CONCLUSION: Clinical utilization of the AOP estimation formula is a practical and effective way of setting tourniquet pressures for lower limb surgery. Its usage allows achievement of a bloodless field with inflation pressures lower than those previously recommended in the literature for lower limb tourniquets.

Surgical practices in total knee arthroplasty in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the current practices in the total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and the differences of practice among the orthopedic surgeons in Turkey. METHODS: Data in this cross-sectional and descriptive study was collected through a questionnaire from 76 orthopaedic surgeons performing TKA. The questionnaire form contained 57 questions under four main headings, covering the professional properties of the surgeon, pre-surgery approach, surgical technique applied for TKA and the surgical details peculiar to the technique with solutions applied for complication scenarios, and finally the postoperative approach. RESULTS: It was determined that 39.7% of the TKA applications were performed in operating theatres without laminar airflow or HEPA filters. Nearly 1/5 of the surgeons used more than one antibiotic for prophylaxis, and more than 85% continued prophylaxis use over 3 days. Low-molecular-weight heparin was the most commonly used method for thromboprophylaxis. 94.67% of the surgeons used only the cemented technique in primary TKA. 44% indicated that they performed simultaneous bilateral arthroplasty, 89% did not use any scoring system and 72.37% preferred fixed-bearing and posterior-cruciate-retaining type prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Results showed no standardization in TKA surgery among surgeons in Turkey, and important educational deficiencies were noted.

Os vesalianum pedis.

Os vesalianum pedis is an accessory bone located proximal to the base of the fifth metatarsal. Its prevalence has been reported to be from 0.1% to 1.0%. This bone is found within the peroneus brevis tendon and is considered to be asymptomatic in the majority of people. We describe a patient with os vesalianum pedis with a distinct mediocuboidal articulation. The radiologic differential diagnosis of the ossicle is discussed.

[Total dislodgement of the femoral component following cemented total knee arthroplasty: a case report]. / Cimentolu total diz artroplastisi sonrasinda femoral parçanin tamamen yerinden çikmasi.

Total dislodgement of the components, which is the most severe form of loosening, has hitherto been unreported following total knee arthroplasty. An eighty-four-year-old woman presented with complaints of pain and sensation of insecurity of her right knee after cemented total knee arthroplasty. On physical examination, a clunk was elicited during movements of the knee; however, radiographs appeared normal except for a separated fragment of the medial femoral condyle. Further examination with varus and valgus stress tests under fluoroscopic control showed dislodgement of the femoral component, which was only apparent on stress radiographs. She underwent revision cemented total knee arthroplasty and her complaints disappeared completely within a follow-up period of three years. This case illustrates the need for stress radiographs when standard radiographs are normal in the face of a high suspicion of loosening.

Incomplete scapholunate and trapeziotrapezoid coalitions with an accessory carpal bone.

Coalitions of the carpal bones associated with accessory carpal bones are relatively uncommon. We present a case of scapholunate and trapeziotrapezoid incomplete coalition with a dorsally situated accessory bone between trapezium and trapezoideum. X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging findings of the patient are discussed in light of the pertinent literature.

Medial approach without opening the joint capsule for developmental dislocation of the hip.

Seventy-one developmentally dislocated hips in 47 children with an average age of 11 months (range 4-16 months) were treated by the medial approach without opening the capsule followed by 6 months of hip spica-cast immobilization. At the latest follow-up 63 hips were rated excellent and good, and 8 hips showed subluxation. No avascular necrosis had occurred. It is concluded that this approach is safe and effective for treating developmental dislocation of the hip. Moreover, opening the capsule is not only an unnecessary task in this age group but also should be avoided to prevent avascular necrosis.