Thigh pain following tourniquet application in simultaneous bilateral total knee replacement arthroplasty

Thigh pain following tourniquet application is a common patient complaint in the early postoperative period following total knee arthroplasty. Postoperative thigh pain was evaluated in 28 consecutive simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty patients between April 1996 and October 1996. A prospective, doubleblind, randomized clinical trial was performed. Tourniquet pressure of 350 mmHg was used on 1 thigh (thigh 1) and 100 mmHg plus systolic blood pressure on the other (thigh 2). A scale of pain (no pain, mild, moderate, or severe) was applied on the first, second, and third days, as well as 2 and 6 weeks after surgery. There were 16 men and 12 women with a mean age of 72 years (range, 55–85 years). The mean tourniquet time was similar in both groups (thigh 1 = 23 minutes, thigh 2 = 22 minutes). The mean tourniquet pressure in thigh 2 was 230 mmHg (range, 212–260 mmHg). There was a statistically significant difference in thigh pain on the first (P = .01), second (P = .01), and third (P = .001) postoperative days between both groups, with more thigh pain on the 350 mmHg side. At 6 weeks after surgery, the difference in thigh pain was gone. For total knee arthroplasty, using the tourniquet at a pressure of 100 mmHg above the systolic blood pressure is recommended. This is adequate to provide a bloodless field and will result in a less unpleasant postoperative period.     

Effect of Different Tourniquet Pressure on Postoperative Pain and Complications After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective,Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundTourniquet pressure inflation is commonly selected between 100 and 150 mm Hg above the systolic blood pressure (SBP). Given the lack of evidence to support a given inflation pressure, our study aimed to ascertain the lowest tourniquet pressure that facilitated total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and resulted in the least postoperative pain and complications.MethodsIn a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of patients scheduled for unilateral primary TKA, 150 were assigned to use tourniquet pressures of SBP + 75 mm Hg (group I), SBP + 100 mm Hg (group II), and SBP + 150 mm Hg (group III). The quality of the bloodless field, total blood loss, and limb swelling were determined perioperatively. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by visual analog scale for pain at thigh and surgical site, serum creatinine phosphokinase levels, wound complications, range of motion, and Knee Society Score.ResultsVisual analog scale for pain at thigh and surgical site were lowest in group I (P < .01) and highest in group III (P < .01). However, the quality of bloodless field at the tibial cutting surface was significantly better in group III compared to group I/II but not at the femoral cutting surface. The total blood loss and limb swelling showed no difference among 3 groups. Postoperative serum creatinine phosphokinase levels at 24 and 48 hours and wound complications in group III were significantly higher than group I (P < .01) and group II (P < .01). Nevertheless, postoperative knee range of motion and Knee Society Score were not significantly different among 3 groups.ConclusionPost TKA, the lowest tourniquet pressure was associated with significantly less postoperative tourniquet and surgical site pain, muscle damage, and wound complications.     

Evaluation of pain in bilateral total knee replacement with and without tourniquet; a?prospective randomized control trial

Aim

Thigh pain following tourniquet application is a common complaint in early post operative period following total knee arthroplasty.

Method

Post operative Thigh pain was evaluated in 30 consecutive simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty patients between July 2013 and January 2014. Patient thigh pain was evaluated with the VAS score. The scale was applied on first, second, third day & second and six weeks after surgery.

Result

There were statistically significant difference in VAS score in non-tourniquet group on first, second, third post operative day. We did not find statistically significant difference at Second and Six weeks post operatively.

Conclusion

This Randomized trial demonstrates that non-tourniquet use in TKA has less early postoperative pain and leads to better recovery.     

Does the Use of a Tourniquet Influence Outcomes in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundIntraoperative tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common practice which may improve visualization of the surgical field and reduce blood loss. However, the safety and efficacy associated with tourniquet use continues to be a subject of debate among orthopedic surgeons. The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of tourniquet use on pain and opioid consumption after TKA.MethodsThis is a multicenter randomized controlled trial among patients undergoing TKA. Patients were preoperatively randomized to undergo TKA with or without the use of an intraoperative tourniquet. Frequency distributions, means, and standard deviations were used to describe baseline patient demographics (age, gender, race, body mass index, smoking status), length of stay, surgical factors, visual analog scale pain scores, and opioid consumption in morphine milligram equivalents.ResultsA total of 327 patients were included in this study, with 166 patients undergoing TKA without a tourniquet and 161 patients with a tourniquet. A statistically significant difference was found in surgical time (97.87 vs 92.98 minutes; P = .05), whereas none was found for length of stay (1.73 vs 1.70 days; P = .87), postop visual analog scale pain scores (1.73 vs 1.70; P = .87), inpatient opioid consumption (19.84 vs 19.27 morphine milligram equivalents; P = .74), or outpatient opioid consumption between the tourniquet-less and tourniquet cohorts, respectively. There were no readmissions in either cohort during the 90-day episode of care.ConclusionUtilization of a tourniquet during TKA has minimal impact on postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption when compared with patients who underwent TKA without a tourniquet.     

Reduced length of stay and faster recovery after total knee arthroplasty without the use of tourniquet

IntroductionTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is commonly performed using tourniquet despite being associated with several recognised complications that may affect patient's post-operative recovery and early rehabilitation. In this study we investigate whether or not use of a tourniquet during TKA was associated with shorter length of stay, faster recovery and lesser complications.Methods29 patients, who underwent bilateral sequential TKA, had their first TKA under tourniquet and the second TKA 15 (11–32) months later without tourniquet.All operations were performed by the first author using the same technique and instrumentation with the same early rehabilitation protocol. All patients were followed prospectively for a minimum of 8 months.All patients had the following parameters measured which included surgical time, length of stay, post-operative pain using Visual analogue score (VAS), calf circumference, drop in haemoglobin, haematocrit level, oxford knee score (OKS), and range of motion (ROM).ResultsTKA performed without the use of tourniquet had significantly shorter Length of hospital stay (3.6 vs 4.4, P < 0.05), significantly less pain on day 2 (1 vs 2; P < 0.05) and significantly smaller increase in calf circumference on day 2 (1.2 cm vs 2.3 cm; P < 0.05). Postoperative calf circumference increase of less than 2 cm in TKA without tourniquet was associated with shorter length of stay when compared with increase of more than 2 cm in TKA with tourniquet 2.9 days (SD 0.6) versus 3.9 days (SD 0.8) P < 0.05.ROM and OKS were significantly better in TKA without tourniquet at 6 weeks but no difference at 8 months.ConclusionsTKA done without tourniquet was associated with shorter length of stay, lesser pain and swelling, in addition to improved range of motion in the early post-operative period     

全膝关节置换术中止血带使用方法对围手术期失血量及术后早期并发症的影响

目的探讨不同止血带使用方法在全膝关节置换（TKA）术中对围手术期失血量及术后早期并发症的影响。方法行单侧TKA的100例膝关节骨性关节炎,随机分成全程组（手术开始至假体安装完成使用止血带）和短时组（术中截骨完成后至假体安装完成使用止血带）,记录2组手术时间、使用止血带时间、肢体肿胀程度、围手术期总失血量、输血率、术后是否能主动直腿抬高、有无大腿疼痛,比较2组间的差异。结果2组间围手术期总失血量差异无统计学意义（P=0．380）;短时组输血率明显低于全程组（P〈0．001）;短时组术后早期并发症的发生率较全程组明显降低（P〈0．001）。结论TKA术中短时应用止血带并未增加围手术期总失血量,可降低输血率以及术后早期并发症的发生率,有利于患者术后早期康复。     

Changes in Mediolateral Postural Control Mechanisms During Gait After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundPatients who have total knee arthroplasty (TKA) likely suffer from decreased postural stability because of postoperative changes in musculoskeletal structure and loss of proprioception. The purpose of this experimental biomechanical study was to determine if patients who have TKA improve their dynamic postural control during walking after TKA as compared with before TKA. The secondary purpose was to assess changes in postural control between post-TKA patients and healthy controls.MethodsTwenty-three patients who had primary knee osteoarthritis scheduled to undergo unilateral or bilateral TKA were prospectively enrolled. Each patient was tested at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after TKA. Ten healthy controls matched for age, sex, and body mass index were selected from a database of previous healthy volunteers without knee osteoarthritis. Ten Vicon cameras and four AMTI force platforms were used to collect the marker and center of pressure (COP) data while participants performed gait.ResultsInitial improvement in the double stance ratio was found by 6 months after TKA compared with before TKA. Patients showed improved postural control as evidenced by a faster mediolateral COP velocity and decreased double stance ratio at 12-month post-TKA compared with pre-TKA (P < .05). However, patients who underwent TKA exhibited limited ability to maintain consistent COP movement during walking with increased variability in COP parameters as compared with controls (P < .05).ConclusionPatients exhibited improvement in dynamic postural control after TKA with time, but had higher variability in COP parameters during gait than controls. It is possible that therapy aimed to improve proprioceptive balance after TKA may improve dynamic postural control.     

Efficacy of Systemic Steroid Use Given One Day After Total Knee Arthroplasty for Pain and Nausea: A Randomized Controlled Study

BackgroundSystemic steroid has been used to control pain and nausea in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but most studies recommend a single dose administration prior to, or during, surgery. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of administration on 1 day postoperatively.MethodsPatients who were scheduled to undergo TKA were randomly assigned to the following groups: control group, receiving normal saline injection; group 1, receiving 10 mg dexamethasone intravenously (IV) 1 hour before surgery; group 2, receiving 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone (IV) 24 hours after surgery; or group 3, receiving 0.2 mg/kg dexamethasone (IV) 24 hours after surgery (n = 44-46 per group). Primary outcomes were pain and nausea visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were analgesic administration, rescue antiemetic administration, C-reactive protein, range of motion, and complications.ResultsPostoperative pain and nausea remained high for 48 hours post-TKA. Group 1 had lower pain and nausea VAS scores than did the control group (P < .01) for only 24 hours post-TKA. Groups 2 and 3 had lower pain and nausea VAS scores than did the control group and group 1 (P < .01) 48 hours post-TKA. Analgesic and antiemetic administration were significantly lower in groups 2 and 3 than in the control group during 48 hours after TKA. There were no differences in C-reactive protein level and range of motion, and complications were not detected.ConclusionThe effect of preoperative and postoperative administration of dexamethasone for controlling pain and nausea was observed only for 24 hours. Considering that severe pain and nausea persisted for more than 48 hours after TKA, additional administration of dexamethasone at 1 day postoperatively is suggested.Level of EvidenceLevel I.     

高凝血状态患者人群全膝关节置换术中应用止血带的对照研究

目的探讨高凝血状态患者人群全膝关节置换术中不同止血带应用方式对围手术期出血的影响。 方法采用随机对照研究,对比观察92例使用不同止血带应用方式的全膝关节置换术患者,纳入标准：血浆D-二聚体>1 000 μg/L(酶联免疫荧光法),随机分为半程止血带组(n＝46)和全程止血带组(n＝46),半程止血带组在安装假体时使用止血带,全程止血带组手术全程使用止血带,记录两组患者手术时间、术后引流量、隐性失血量、失血总量、血红蛋白丢失量、输血率、平均输血量、膝关节活动度、疼痛评分、膝关节活动度、肢体肿胀及并发症情况,用SPSS 19.0软件对两组结果进行比较,手术时间和引流量等计量资料采用t检验,并发症等计数资料采用χ²检验。 结果半程止血带组术后引流量、隐性失血量、总失血量、血红蛋白丢失量、疼痛评分、肢体肿胀及并发症发生率显著低于全程止血带组(t＝－7.432、－15.72、－2.205、－2.746、－3.070、－5.525,P<0.05),半程止血带组手术时间、膝关节活动度显著高于全程止血带组(t＝8.098,t＝2.290,P<0.05),两组术后输血率和平均输血量比较差异无统计学意义(χ²＝0.956,t＝－0.329,均为P>0.05)。所有患者均无症状性肺栓塞、感染及伤口皮缘坏死发生。 结论高凝血状态患者行全膝关节置换术中半程使用止血带止血效果优于全程止血带,止血带相关并发症发生率低于全程使用止血带组。     

Correlation between thigh pain and radiological findings with a proximally porous-coated stem

Thigh pain has been consistently reported with cementless hip arthroplasty. The correlation between thigh pain and radiological findings and the clinical significance of thigh pain have not been studied in any detail. We carried out a retrospective study to analyse the performance of a proximally porous-coated cementless femoral component. Ninety-eight total hip arthroplasties were followed up clinically and radiologically for an average of 33 months (range: 12 to 64) after operation. The clinical results were good or excellent in 85 cases (87%). Thirteen patients (13%) reported thigh pain at latest follow-up. Subsidence of the stem was recorded in 10 cases, cortical thickening occurred in 14 hips (14%), and 17 hips (17%) presented proximal osteopenia. Proximally, radiolucent lines were observed in 11 cases. Thigh pain correlated with radiolucent lines, femoral thickening, fibrous fixation and stem migration. Bone remodelling was noted to continue even five years after implantation. Our observations demonstrated bone ingrowth in the majority of the cases and a low incidence of thigh pain. The correlation between radiological changes and thigh pain suggests implant micromotion and migration in some hips. Patients with thigh pain, changes in the proximal femur and progressive subsidence need further clinical and radiological follow-up.     

Trajectories of Pain and Function Outcomes up to 5 to 8 Years Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThere appears to be substantial variability in outcomes > 2 years following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that is masked by whole group analyses. The goal of the study was to identify trajectories of pain and function outcomes up to 5 to 8 years post-TKA and to identify baseline factors that are associated with different trajectories of recovery.MethodsBaseline, 6-month, and 12-month pain and function data were collected in a previous study investigating predictors of outcome following primary TKA (n = 286), along with a variety of baseline predictor variables. The present study obtained pain and function data at 5 to 8 years following TKA in the same cohort (n = 201). Latent class linear mixed models were used to identify different classes of pain and functional trajectories over time. The extent to which differences across latent classes were explained by baseline predictor variables was determined.ResultsThree classes of pain and two classes of function trajectory were identified. While most patients (84% to 93%) followed a trajectory that showed an initial rapid gain following surgery that was sustained through 5 to 8 years, both pain and function included at least one trajectory class that showed a meaningful change after 12 months. No predictor variables were significantly associated with either the pain or function classes.ConclusionsMost patients follow a traditional trajectory of recovery in knee pain and function over 5 to 8 years. However, alternative trajectories are observed in an important minority of patients such that knee pain and function at 12 months after surgery does not always reflect outcomes at 5 to 8 years.     

TKA sans tourniquet: let it bleed: opposes

The literature supports the routine use of a tourniquet during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). With tourniquet use, there is decreased intraoperative blood loss with subsequent improved visibility and a bloodless surgical field. This facilitates efficiency with the potential for decreased operating time. Increased operating time has been associated with an increase in the incidence of infection after TKA. Opponents of routine tourniquet use cite rare or theoretical concerns. Multiple authors have concluded that the incidence of deep vein thrombosis is not related to using a tourniquet. The rare events of muscle dysfunction or nerve injury are transient. Peripheral vascular disease, in which patients have no palpable distal pulses, should be considered a possible contraindication to the use of a tourniquet during TKA. If tourniquet time and pressure are respected during TKA, we believe the benefits outweigh the perceived and theoretical concerns.     

Predicting Acute Recovery of Physical Function Following Total Knee Joint Arthroplasty

The objective was to explore predictors of physical function during acute in-patient rehabilitation within a few days after TKA. Physical function status of participants (n = 72) three days after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was measured using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and the function subscale of the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Index of Osteoarthritis (WOMAC-function). Potential predictors of physical function were measured day one post-TKA. Their relationship with physical function was examined using backward elimination, multiple regression analyses. Older age and increased comorbidity were associated (R² = 0.20) with worse TUG times. Increased pain severity was associated (R² = 0.08) with worse WOMAC-function scores. Age, comorbidity, and pain severity should be considered when predicting which patients will struggle with acute recovery post-TKA.     

Randomized Prospective Comparative Study of Adductor Canal Block vs Periarticular Infiltration on Early Functional Outcome After Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with significant postoperative pain. Effective pain relief is essential for early postoperative rehabilitation. Periarticular infiltration (PAI) and adductor canal block (ACB) have become popular modes of pain management after TKA. Our aim is to compare their efficacy and impact on early functional outcome in patients undergoing TKA.MethodsA single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 100 patients undergoing unilateral primary TKA for symptomatic osteoarthritis were allocated to either of the 2 groups (50 in each arm): postoperative ultrasound-guided single shot of ACB (group A) or intraoperative PAI (group B). All patients underwent TKA without patella resurfacing under spinal anesthesia. Preoperative workup, surgical technique, and postoperative management were standardized for all the patients. Patients were assessed for pain using visual analogue scale at 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery; hemoglobin level preoperatively and postoperatively on day 1 to calculate blood loss; hospital stay; tourniquet time; operative time; and postoperative complications by an independent observer blinded to the group allocation.ResultsPatients were matched for age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, and deformity. Visual analogue scale (scale 0-10) between PAI and ACB at 6, 12, and 24 hours were significantly different (P < .05) with higher scores seen in patients with ACB at all time points. Tourniquet time and operative time were significantly longer in the PAI than ACB. No significant difference in hospital stay was observed. No complications occurred during the study.ConclusionPAI achieves better pain control as compared to ACB in patients undergoing unilateral TKA.     

Tourniquet Use in Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction: A Blinded Randomized Trial

IntroductionDespite knowing, that tourniquet induces ischemia and soft tissue damage surgeons still use it. The purpose of this study is to compare post operative pain and quadriceps function in patients undergoing arthroscopy assisted ACL reconstruction with tourniquet and without tourniquet.MethodsA blinded randomized prospective trial conducted at Orthopaedic department of a tertiary institute in India from Feb 2019 to June 2019. 45 patients undergoing Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction aged between 18 and 60 years were recruited in the study according to selection criteria. Patients were distributed in 2 groups randomly, namely, tourniquet and non-tourniquet. Preoperatively serum CPK measurement and thigh girth measurement was done. Following standard arthroscopic procedure VAS score monitoring for pain was done for 5 days. Serum CPK levels were performed on postoperative day 1. Thigh girth was measured on postoperative day 21.ResultPain was significantly high in patients in whom tourniquet was used. VAS scores were significantly high in tourniquet group. Tourniquet group patients required more amount of additional analgesics in postoperative period (p < 0.001). Serum CPK levels were comparable preoperatively while significantly high postoperatively in tourniquet group (p < 0.001). Difference in mean of thigh girth was significant between the groups (p < 0.001) and there is difficulty experienced by patients in performing straight leg raise test after tourniquet use (p = 0.002).ConclusionTourniquet use is associated with increased pain, analgesic requirement, damage to muscles and compromises muscle function in early postoperative period. This can not only lead to increased patient discomfort but also difficult initial rehabilitation. Arthroscopic procedures can be uneventfully performed without the use of a tourniquet, and alternative methods should be looked upon and emphasized.     

Mobility and perceived function after total knee arthroplasty

Mobility using the timed up and go (TUG) and perceived pain, stiffness, and physical function (Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) were documented after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The relationships between mobility and perceived function are limited post-TKA. The first purpose of this study was to determine and compare the TUG test between individuals (n = 11) post-TKA and age-sex-related controls (n = 11). The second purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between mobility and self-reported function post-TKA. The TKA group was 28% (P < .05) slower in completing the TUG compared with controls and reported difficulty in attempting challenging tasks. The TUG was moderately related to the physical function (0.63) dimension of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, as well as the aggregate Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score (0.59).     

Tourniquet use during total knee arthroplasty does not modulate the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,pain, or activity

The purpose of our study was to identify the influence of tourniquet use during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) shortly after surgery and patient-reported outcomes (pain and physical activity) from outpatient physical therapy. This retrospective study consisted of 104 subjects who underwent primary unilateral TKA (51 subjects with and 53 subjects without tourniquet assistance) between 2010 and 2012. The NLR was calculated from the absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts obtained immediately before and after (1 and 2 days) knee arthroplasty. The Knee Outcome Survey (KOS) of Activities of Daily Living and numeric pain scores collected at the first [33.0 (34.2) days after surgery] and last [85.5 (40.7) days after surgery] outpatient physical therapy visits were extracted from an electronic database. The NLR, pain, and KOS score were not significantly (all p > 0.05) different with tourniquet use. Based on these findings, we conclude that tourniquet use during TKA neither increases systemic inflammation shortly after surgery nor impairs patient-reported outcomes obtained during outpatient physical therapy. IV.     

Tourniquetless Total Knee Arthroplasty With Modern Perioperative Protocols Decreases Pain and Opioid Consumption in Women

Background

This study examined whether a modern total knee arthroplasty (TKA) protocol without a tourniquet results in less patient-reported pain and in-hospital opioid consumption compared to TKA with a tourniquet.

Peronäusläsionen nach KTEP-Implantation unter Verwendung einer postoperativ fortgeführten periduralen Analgesie

BACKGROUND: Peroneal nerve palsy is a rare but distressing complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). After introducing a standardised intraoperative and postoperative epidural anaesthesia protocol under otherwise unchanged perioperative management, we noted a sudden cumulation of peroneal nerve palsies after TKA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study we checked the patients' histories for well-known risk factors for nerve lesions after TKA as well as for those risk factors controversially discussed in the literature. RESULTS: We found an additive harmful impact of epidural anaesthesia leading to unrecognised pressure on the peroneal nerve, which caused, in combination with a pressure lesion of the pneumatic tourniquet, an axonal lesion in terms of a double-crush syndrome. By lowering the pneumatic tourniquet pressure and carefully positioning the operated leg, we found a clearly reduced risk of nerve lesion while preserving the advantages of epidural anaesthesia for the patient. CONCLUSION: To prevent a peroneal lesion after TKA while using continuous epidural anaesthesia, we strongly recommend limiting the pneumatic tourniquet pressure to 320 mmHg while ensuring pressure-free positioning of the operated leg.     

Optimized Tourniquet Use in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Comparative,Prospective, and Randomized Study

BackgroundThe results of recent studies investigating tourniquet (TNQ) use for knee arthroplasty are controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to compare patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty who did not have a TNQ to those in whom an optimized TNQ protocol was applied.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated 127 patients who had knee osteoarthritis who had undergone total knee arthroplasty and randomized them into two groups: “without TNQ” and “optimized TNQ” (TNQ inflation before skin incision, deflation after cementing, with pressure one hundred millimeters of mercury above the systolic blood pressure, and without articular suction drain usage). The means of surgery and TNQ duration, blood loss, number of blood transfusions, degree of pain, edema, range of motion (ROM), functional score over time, and postoperative complications were compared between the groups. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.ResultsNo significant differences were found in terms of surgical timing, blood loss, thigh and knee pain, edema, ROM, functional scores, and complications between the “without TNQ” and “optimized TNQ” groups.ConclusionThe use of an optimized TNQ in primary total knee arthroplasty presents similar clinical results to surgery without a TNQ and did not increase the incidence of postoperative complications. Its use allowed surgery to occur with the benefits of a clean and dry surgical field provided by TNQ without increasing procedure-related comorbidities.