Tourniquet in knee surgery

Prolonged efficacy of cefazolin in intraosseous regional prophylaxis for total knee arthroplasty: a rabbit model study

BACKGROUND

A novel approach known as intraosseous regional administration (IORA) has emerged as a technique for delivering prophylactic antibiotics, and it results in higher tissue concentrations around the knee. It is hypothesized that IORA of cefazolin for antibiotic prophylaxis during total knee arthroplasty will result in sustained effective levels for a longer duration. The aim of the current study was to investigate temporal changes in peri-knee cefazolin blood concentrations after IORA of cefazolin.

METHODS

Twelve rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, with six rabbits in each group. In control group a single intravenous bolus injection of cefazolin (10 mL, 100 mg) was administered into the marginal ear vein. In experimental groupexperimental group the same dose of cefazolin was injected into the left tibial marrow cavity after tourniquet inflation at the base of the left thigh. Blood samples were collected periodically at different timepoints, and cefazolin concentrations were determined.

RESULTS

The intraosseous treatment resulted in significant differences in plasma cefazolin concentrations at all timepoints. Experimental group exhibited higher plasma cefazolin concentrations than control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Cefazolin in intraosseous regional prophylaxis exhibits effectiveness in intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis by maintaining concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration for extended durations, rather than relying solely on high concentrations.

Tourniquet Practice Among Orthopaedic Surgeons in Saudi Arabia

Introduction This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of tourniquet use among orthopedic surgeons in Saudi Arabia and assess the practical aspects of their use of tourniquets and the complications they have experienced in their practices. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to February 2023. An online questionnaire was distributed among orthopedic surgeons and trainees in Saudi Arabia, and the surgeons' knowledge of tourniquet use was assessed using 17 questions. To investigate tourniquet usage, the participants were divided into three groups: orthopedic residents, specialists, and consultants. An upper limb cuff pressure (CP) of 200 mmHg and a lower limb CP of 250 mmHg were chosen as the cut-off values, and the doctors' choices were compared against literature recommendations using these measures. Result A total of 205 participants filled out the questionnaires; 130 residents, 15 consultants, and 60 specialists, with more males (175/205) than females responding. One hundred and twenty-one surgeons placed the cuff on patients by themselves, while 50 (24.3%) surgeons asked nurses for aid; 135 (65.6%) of them work in teaching hospitals, while 50 (24.3%) work in community hospitals. The incidence of post-tourniquet syndrome was unrelated to expertise (p=0.12). Conclusion When applied properly, tourniquets prevent excessive bleeding and keep the operative field clean during limb surgeries. This study aims to inspire the orthopedic community to reconsider long-held practices, especially regarding tourniquet pressure. The addition of ligature safety education to orthopedics training and outlining the settings and procedures for applying pressure should also be considered. The orthopedic community should set CP and process criteria to avoid complications. This study showed the importance of modifying the training of orthopedic residents to raise awareness and prevent unpleasant events from occurring.

Peri-articular administration of tranexamic acid is an alternative route in total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

As an antifibrinolytic agent, tranexamic acid (TXA) is increasingly used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to reduce blood loss. The administration of intravenous and intra-articular TXA has been well explored, but the most efficient way to administer TXA remains in question. Peri-articular injection (PAI) of TXA is a recently mentioned method. A meta-analysis of the efficacy of PAI TXA in patients after TKA should be performed.

Methods

A systematic search was performed within PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to November 8, 2021. Two authors independently screened studies for eligibility and extracted data for analysis. The primary outcome was haemoglobin change. The secondary outcomes were haematocrit change, total drainage volume, thromboembolic events, and blood transfusion.

Results

A total of ten studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that there was a significant decrease in haemoglobin change when using PAI TXA compared with no TXA (mean difference − 1.05; 95% CI − 1.28 to − 0.81; P < 0.00001; I² = 0%), but it had no significant differences compared with IA and IV (mean difference − 0.01; 95% CI − 0.17 to − 0.14; P = 0.85; I² = 39%). There were no significant differences between the TXA < 1.5 g subgroup (0.10, 95% CI − 0.27 to 0.46; P = 0.60; I² = 0%) and the TXA ≥ 1.5 g subgroup (0.18, 95% CI − 0.12 to 0.48; P = 0.24; I² = 74%). In addition, the combined group (PAI plus IV or IA) was superior to the IV or IA group in terms of haemoglobin change (mean difference − 0.51; 95% CI − 0.76 to − 0.27; P < 0.0001; I² = 19%). Regarding haematocrit change, the pooled result showed it was significantly less in the PAI group than the non-TXA group. Similarly, comparing it against the IV subgroup, the result revealed a difference in favour of the PAI group, with a mean difference of − 1.89 g/dL (95% CI − 2.82 to − 0.95; P < 0.0001; I² = 67%). For total drainage volume, the pooled result was in favour of PAI TXA over no TXA (297 ml, 95% CI − 497.26 to − 97.23; P = 0.004; I² = 87%), but it had no significant difference compared with IA and IV (mean difference − 37.98; 95% CI − 115.68 to 39.71; P = 0.34; I² = 95%). There was no significant difference in thromboembolic events (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.25 to 2.21; P = 0.59; I² = 0%). Blood transfusion was not significantly different between the PAI group and the non-TXA group (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.23 to 1.06; P = 0.07; I² = 21%), and there was no significant difference between PAI and the other two TXA injection methods (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.41 to 1.25; P = 0.24; I² = 19%).

Conclusion

PAI has comparable effects to IV and IA injections. PAI is an alternative injection route of TXA for patients who have undergone TKA.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields after intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures: a case control study

PURPOSE

To compare clinical and functional outcomes of two groups of patients undergoing reduction and nailing fixation for diaphyseal fractures of the tibia with (PEMF group) and without (control group) post-operative pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) application.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study on 50 patients (mean age 43.3 years, 28 males and 22 females) with diaphyseal tibial fractures managed between 2017 and 2019. Twenty-five patients underwent reduction, nailing fixation, and PEMF application post-operatively (PEMF group) and 25 patients underwent nailing fixation. Radiographic imaging assessment was performed every month until fracture healing had been evident. Use of analgesics, fracture healing time, post-operative lower limb alignment, and post-operative complications were recorded. Patients were asked about return to preinjury activity. All patients were assessed at 3 months and at an average follow-up of 13 months. The VAS scale and Johner-Wruhs criteria were used for pain assessment and functional recovery, respectively.

RESULTS

Comparing groups, VAS values were significantly lower in the PEMF group at three months and comparable at one year. The patients in the PEMF group took an average of 4.1 months to resume their preinjury activities, and control patients took an average of 5.3 months (P < 0.0001). According to the Johner-Wruhs score, the effective rate was 100% (25/25) in the PEMF group and 92% (23/25) in the control group (P = 0.14).

CONCLUSIONS

PEMF application after intramedullary nailing is safe and reduces post-operative pain, use of analgesics, and the time of healing fracture. At one year, there is no difference in outcome measures, regardless of PEMF application.

Tourniquet use during knee arthroplasty: A Bayesian network meta-analysis on pain, function, and thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

The role of a tourniquet for knee arthroplasty remains controversial. The present Bayesian network meta-analysis investigated the role of various protocols for tourniquet inflation for knee arthroplasty, assessing data on pain control, clinical and functional outcomes, and the rate of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. In March 2021, all clinical trials investigating the role of tourniquet use for knee arthroplasty were considered for inclusion. Groups were divided into those which used a tourniquet in knee arthroplasty procedures versus those which completed the procedure without tourniquet, or with varying protocols of tourniquet use. The hierarchical random-effects model analysis was adopted in all comparisons.

RESULTS

Data from 54 articles (5497 procedures) were retrieved. The absence of tourniquet group evidenced the lowest rate of DVT, and scored the lowest in the visual analogic scale (VAS) at 24-48 h, 1, 3, and 12 months follow-up. The same group evidenced the greatest gain of motion at 3-days, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months follow-up, and the highest Knee Society Rating System scores at 1, 3, and 12 months follow-up. Of the outcome data assessed, the straight-leg-raise test was markedly inconsistent: therefore, no recommendations from this test can be made.

CONCLUSION

With regards to the endpoints considered in the present study, knee arthroplasties undertaken without the use of a tourniquet perform better overall.

Injury to the Medial Superior Genicular Artery After Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Case Report

CASE

A 19-year-old male patient with isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) rupture underwent arthroscopic reconstruction using reinforced synthetic ligament (LARS system). Three weeks postoperatively, he presented with active bleeding from the medial side of his knee, near the proximal interference screw. An angiogram revealed extravasation from the medial superior genicular artery which was successfully embolized. One week later, he returned with active bleeding from the same area, located just under the initial coiling; a second embolization during superselective angiography was successful.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, minor vascular injuries are a risk inherent to PCL surgery.

Impact of tourniquet during knee arthroplasty: a bayesian network meta-analysis of peri-operative outcomes

INTRODUCTION

The role of tourniquet during knee arthroplasty is controversial. The present study compares various tourniquet protocols using a Bayesian network meta-analysis of peri-operative data.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA extension statement for reporting systematic reviews incorporating network meta-analyses of health interventions. The literature search was conducted in September 2020. All clinical trials investigating the role of tourniquet in knee arthroplasty were considered for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed using Review Manager 5.3. A Bayesian hierarchical random-effects model analysis was used in all comparisons.

RESULTS

Ultimately, pooled data from 68 studies (7413 procedures) were analysed. Significant inconsistency was found in the data relating to total estimated blood lost; no assumption could be made on this outcome. Full-time tourniquet resulted in the shortest surgical duration and lowest intra-operative blood lost, in both cases followed by incision-to-suture. The incision-to-suture protocol achieved the smallest drop in haemoglobin during the first 72 h post-operatively and the lowest rate of blood transfusion, both followed by full-time tourniquet. Hospitalisation was shortest in the absence (no-tourniquet) group, followed by the cementation-to-end group.

CONCLUSION

For knee arthroplasty, longer tourniquet use is associated with the shorter duration of surgery, lower intra-operative blood lost, lower drops in haemoglobin and fewer transfusion units. The shortest average hospitalisation was associated with no tourniquet use.

Symptomatic Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Elective Knee Arthroscopy Over the Age of 40

Thromboprophylaxis following arthroscopic knee surgery (AKS) is not clear in the literature. The purpose of this study was to present the incidence of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following elective AKS over the age of 40. The secondary purpose was to investigate risk factors associated with venous thromboembolic events (VTEs). Surgical database and outpatient clinic follow-up charts of the patients who underwent AKS for any reason were included in the study. Odds for risk factors such as previous medical history of thrombosis, any family history for clotting disorders, diabetes mellitus (DM), oral contraceptive usage, body mass index, history of malignancy, and smoking were evaluated. The incidence of DVT following AKS significantly increased in the patients older than 40 years who had a previous medical history of VTE, DM, and smoking. A variety of guidelines exist for VTE prophylaxis; however, one should focus on risk factors related to the patient's medical history and current medical conditions. In this study, smoking, DM, and previous history of DVT increased DVT risk significantly, and thromboprophylaxis should be kept in mind for these patients.

Efficacy and safety of a new elastic tourniquet cuff in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled study

Background

The effects of cuff shape, timing of tourniquet application, and automated systems using limb occlusion pressure (LOP) have been reported to minimize the appropriate tourniquet pressure. However, studies on the raw material of the cuff itself to reduce the complications related to the tourniquet have been very rarely reported. The purpose of this study is to report the efficacy and safety of a tourniquet system with a new elastic cuff in which pressure is set with LOP in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

A total of 63 patients who underwent primary TKA for osteoarthritis were enrolled from July to December 2015. Thirty-one patients were allocated to the new elastic cuff group and 32 in the conventional cuff group. Bloodless surgical field, pain visual analog scale (VAS) on the thigh, thigh circumference, range of motion, incidence of deep vein thrombosis, and muscle enzyme level after surgery were checked and compared between the 2 groups.

Results

Only 1 of the 31 patients in the elastic cuff group required more pressure for obtaining a bloodless surgical field, whereas 4 of the 32 patients in the conventional cuff group required more pressure to complete surgery without being disturbed by sustained bleeding. Two patients in the conventional cuff group needed treatment for blisters and bullae at the tourniquet application site. There was no difference in pain VAS score, thigh circumference, range of motion, incidence of deep vein thrombosis, and level of muscle enzyme.

Conclusions

A new elastic tourniquet cuff provided a more proper bloodless surgical field with less adjustment of tourniquet pressure despite a similar level of tourniquet pressure compared to the conventional cuff and had a low incidence of skin complications on the site of tourniquet application in TKA. These benefits make it an effective and safe medical device for orthopedic surgery requiring a tourniquet, such as TKA.

Soft-tissue damage during total knee arthroplasty: Focus on tourniquet-induced metabolic and ionic muscle impairment

PURPOSE

Advantages of tourniquet use in TKA include benefits for surgeons and patients, varying from a bloodless operation site to a reduced intervention time. The time under ischemia and the reperfusion period are crucial phases for affected soft-tissue, most commonly the extensor mechanism.

CASE REPORTS

documented its impact on soft-tissue, ranging from necrotic muscle damage to systemic inflammation. Recently, research regarding tourniquet application patterns discuss clinical outcome parameters in the context of soft-tissue damage, excluding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

METHODS

This review summarizes the molecular aspects of soft-tissue damage occurring during tourniquet application in TKA with special focus on ischemia/reperfusion injury. Recent meta-analyses and original trials were reviewed for data on muscle damage and are presented.

CONCLUSION

Although underlying pathomechanisms are well known and presented, clinical orthopedic research has so far not addressed this issue. In context of physical training, positive effects regarding postoperative recovery might be possible if more attention is paid to prepare involved muscle preoperatively to TKA (prehabilitation).

Comparative analysis of pain in patients who underwent total knee replacement regarding the tourniquet pressure

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate through the visual analog scale (VAS) the pain in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) with different pressures of the pneumatic tourniquet.

METHODS

An observational, randomized, descriptive study on an analytical basis, with 60 patients who underwent TKR, divided into two groups, which were matched: a group where TKR was performed with tourniquet pressures of 350 mmHg (standard) and the other with systolic blood pressure plus 100 mmHg (P + 100). These patients had their pain assessed by VAS at 48 h, and at the 5th and 15th days after procedure. Secondarily, the following were also measured: range of motion (ROM), complications, and blood drainage volume in each group; the data were subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

After data analysis, there was no statistical difference regarding the incidence of complications (p = 0.612), ROM (p = 0.202), bleeding after 24 and 48 h (p = 0.432 and p = 0.254) or in relation to VAS. No correlation was observed between time of ischemia compared to VAS and bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the pneumatic tourniquet pressure at 350 mmHg or systolic blood pressure plus 100 mmHg did not influence the pain, blood loss, ROM, and complications. Therefore the pressures at these levels are safe and do not change the surgery outcomes; the time of ischemia must be closely observed to avoid major complications.

Arterial complications, venous thromboembolism and deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review

AIM

To summarize the current knowledge on vascular complications and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, CINAHL, PubMed publisher, and Google scholar medical literature databases were searched up to November 10, 2015. Any arthroscopic surgical method of primary or revision intra-articular ACL reconstruction of all graft types in humans was included. A risk of bias assessment was determined.

RESULTS

Fourty-seven studies were included in the review. Pseudaneurysms were the most frequently reported arterial complication after ACL reconstruction, irrespective of graft type or method of graft fixation with an incidence of 0.3%. The time to diagnosis of arterial complications after ACL reconstruction varied from days to mostly weeks but even years. After ACL reconstruction without thromboprophylaxis, the incidence of DVT was 9.7%, of which 2.1% was symptomatic. The incidence of pulmonary embolism was 0.1%. Tourniquet time > 2 h was related to venous thromboembolism. Thromboprophylaxis is indicated in patients with risk factors for venous thromboembolism.

CONCLUSION

After ACL reconstruction, the incidence of arterial complications, symptomatic DVT and pulmonary embolism was 0.3%, 2.1% and 0.1% respectively. Arterial complications may occur with all types of arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, methods of graft fixation as well as any type of graft. Patients considered to be at moderate or high risk of venous thromboembolism should routinely receive thromboprophylaxis after ACL reconstruction.

Inside-Out Trans-Arthroscopic Drain Application During Knee Joint Arthroscopy

Although knee joint arthroscopy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures worldwide, there is no consensus on how to apply a drain in the joint if it is decided to use one. Therefore we describe a simple technique to safely apply a drain intra-articularly under full arthroscopic control, avoiding placement of the drain through the arthroscopic portal.