ABSTRACT
The use of tourniquet is common in orthopaedic surgeries as it reduces blood loss, enhances visualization of the operating field, and leads to quicker procedures. However, the use of tourniquet has certain risks which can be avoided by following guidelines like British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma (BOAST) guidelines for safe use of tourniquet. This audit study was done in a District general hospital to check the compliance of two trauma theatres with BOAST guidelines. The audit found that there was poor documentation of tourniquet details in the operation notes (10%). Regarding tourniquet time and pressure, the compliance in the two theatres was 95 % & 97.5 %. The recommendations of this audit were to use a template to improve documentation of tourniquet details in the operation notes and training of theatre staff on BOAST guidelines for safe use of tourniquet.
Subject(s)
Hospitals, District , Medical Audit , Orthopedic Procedures , Tourniquets , Humans , Orthopedic Procedures/adverse effects , United Kingdom , Operating Rooms/standards , Guideline Adherence/statistics & numerical data , Blood Loss, Surgical/prevention & controlABSTRACT
The restoration of the joint line is important for a good functional outcome after a Total Knee Arthroplasty(TKA). Knee joint biomechanics need to be restored as near normal as possible. Joint line elevation leads to anterior knee pain, decrease in range of motion, patella baja ,mid-flexion instability and impingement of patellar tendon. Joint line depression on the other hand leads to patella alta, risk of patellar subluxation and mid-flexion instability of the knee. Various studies have demonstrated various range of acceptable joint line variation but there is no clear acceptable range of joint line variation. More studies are required for establishing the acceptable range of joint line variation and standard practices should be established for arthroplasty surgeons for preventing variation of joint line.
