Influence of tourniquet use in primary total knee arthroplasty with drainage: a prospective randomised controlled trial

Can local infiltration analgesia supplemented with tranexamic acid reduce blood loss during total knee arthroplasty?

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of TXA supplemented with local infiltration analgesia (LIA) for reducing blood loss in patients undergoing total knee replacement.

MATERIALS

A retrospective study of 530 individuals with a mean age of 71.44 years was performed after posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty. Patients were divided into three groups according to the method of bleeding control: I - patients without an additional bleeding protocol (control group); II - patients receiving IV TXA (TXA group); and III - patients receiving the exact TXA protocol plus intraoperative local infiltration analgesia (TXA + LIA group). Blood loss was measured according to the maximal decrease in Hb compared to the preoperative Hb level.

RESULTS

The mean hospitalization duration was 7.02 (SD 1.34) days in the control group, 6.08 (SD 1.06) days in the TXA group, and 5.56 (SD 0.79) in the TXA + LIA group. The most significant decrease in haemoglobin was found in the control group, which was an average of 30.08%. The average decrease in haemoglobin was 25.17% (p < 0.001) in the TXA group and 23.67% (p < 0.001) in the TXA + LIA group. A decrease in the rate of allogeneic blood transfusions was observed: 24.4% in the control group, 9.9% in the TXA group, and 8% in the TXA + LIA group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to the separate administration of tranexamic acid, the combination of perioperative administration with local infiltration analgesia significantly reduced blood loss in patients after total knee replacement.

The optimized tourniquet versus no tourniquet in total knee arthroplasty. Analysis of muscle injury, functional recovery, and knee strength

Background

Tourniquet is widely used in total knee replacement surgery because it reduces intraoperative hemorrhage and provides a comfortable surgical area for the surgeon. It's possible that its use could lead to impaired postoperative functional and motor recovery, as well as local and systemic complications. Our goal was to compare the outcomes of total knee replacement without ischemia using an optimized protocol, consisting of tourniquet inflation before skin incision and deflation after cementing, with a pressure of one hundred millimeters above systolic blood pressure and without postoperative articular suction drains.). We believed that tourniquet effectively would result in no additional muscle damage and no functional or knee strength impairment compared to no tourniquet.

Methods

In a prospective and randomized study, 60 patients with osteoarthritis were evaluated for total knee replacement, divided in two groups: 'without tourniquet' and 'optimized tourniquet'. Outcomes were mean creatine phosphokinase levels, Knee Society Score and knee isokinetic strength. Data were considered significant when p < 0.05.

Results

Creatine phosphokinase levels and functional score were similar between groups. There were no differences between groups regarding knee extension strength on the operated limbs, although the knee flexors' peak torque in the operated limb in the optimized tourniquet group was significantly higher at 6 months relative to preoperative and 3 months assessments.

Conclusions

The optimized tourniquet protocol use in total knee replacement combines the benefits of tourniquet use without compromising functional recovery and without additional muscle damage and strength deficits compared to surgery without its use.

The Use of Calcium Sulfate/Hydroxyapatite Bone Graft Substitute to Restore Acetabular Bone Loss in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Acetabular bone loss is not uncommon when performing revision total hip arthroplasty. This can create a challenge, especially on the acetabular side. In the present report, our patient presented with aseptic loosening of the acetabular component. The patient had a Paprosky IIIA acetabular defect that was reconstructed with stacked acetabular augments in addition to a highly porous acetabular cup. The remaining bone defects were addressed through the use of a calcium sulfate/hydroxyapatite bone graft substitute. We set out to describe how to reconstruct severe acetabular bone loss with a combination of acetabular augments in addition to an injectable bone graft substitute as a novel method to address a complex clinical scenario.

Effects of tourniquet on surgical site wound infection and pain after total knee arthroplasty: A meta-analysis

The application of a tourniquet (TNQ) for haemostasis in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is controversial and lacking systematic evaluation. This meta-analysis assessed relevant international data to quantitatively evaluate the implications of using TNQ in TKA, further guide clinical diagnosis and treatment, and improve postoperative outcomes. A comprehensive computerised search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Wanfang databases was conducted to retrieve randomised controlled trials on the application of TNQ in TKA published from database inception to August 2023. The included data, ultimately comprising 1482 patients in 16 studies, were collated and subjected to meta-analysis using Stata 17.0 software. The results showed that the use of TNQ during TKA led to significantly higher rates of postoperative surgical site wound infection (3.96% vs. 1.79%, odds ratio: 2.15, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 1.11-4.16, p = 0.023) and wound pain scores on the first (standardised mean difference [SMD]: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.35-0.94, p < 0.001), second (SMD: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.01-1.31, p = 0.045), and third (SMD: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.31-1.05, pP < 0.001) day after the procedure. In conclusion, the application of TNQ in TKA increases the risk of postoperative surgical site wound infection and worsens short-term postoperative wound pain; therefore, TNQ should be used sparingly during TKA, or its use should be decided in conjunction with the relevant clinical indications and the surgeon's experience.

[Akute arterielle Embolie nach einer Knie-Totalendoprothese: Ein Bericht über zwei Fälle und Literaturübersicht]

Die akute arterielle Embolie ist eine seltene, aber schwerwiegende Komplikation nach einer Knie-Totalendoprothese (Knie-TEP). Es besteht ein allgemeiner Konsens darüber, dass in dieser Situation sofort eine Revaskularisation durchgeführt werden muss, aber die spezifische Behandlung ist immer noch umstritten. Wir berichten über zwei Fälle von Embolien der Kniekehlenarterie, die durch eine akute arterielle Thrombose nach Knie-TEP verursacht wurden. Bei beiden Patienten kam es nach der Operation zu einem Gefühls- und Bewegungsverlust der rechten unteren Extremität und einer Pulsationsschwächung der Arteria dorsalis pedis; eine Angiografie zeigte eine Embolie der Arteria poplitea. Einer der Patienten erhielt eine Thrombolysetherapie, entwickelte jedoch eine großflächige Infektion und Nekrose des rechten Wadenmuskels und benötigte nach erfolgreicher Thrombolyse ein mehrfaches Debridement und Hauttransplantationen. Bei dem anderen Patienten wurde eine Thrombektomie, eine Gefäßrekonstruktion und eine prophylaktische Fasziotomie durchgeführt; nach der Operation blieben ein Taubheitsgefühl im Fuß und eine leichte Streckschwäche zurück. Die Autoren empfehlen Chirurgen, Hochrisikopatienten mit Knie-TEP eine angemessene Aufmerksamkeit zu widmen. Vor der Operation sind eine sorgfältige Anamnese und körperliche Untersuchung erforderlich. Der chirurgische Eingriff sollte präzise und schonend durchgeführt werden, nach der Operation sind das Gefühl der Gliedmaßen und die Blutzirkulation aufmerksam zu beobachten. Bei abnormalem Fußgefühl und schwacher arterieller Pulsation sollten umgehend erforderliche Untersuchungen (Doppler-Ultraschall und Arteriografie) durchgeführt werden. Wenn eine arterielle Thrombose diagnostiziert wurde, muss die Blutversorgung sofort wiederhergestellt werden. Verzögert sich die Diagnose um mehr als 6 Stunden, kann eine prophylaktische Fasziotomie erforderlich sein, um nachteilige Folgen zu vermeiden.

The temporal effects of variable tourniquet use on pain after total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial. While widely studied, any temporal effects on pain and opioid utilization have not been investigated. We hypothesized that postoperative opioid utilization increases with increasing tourniquet times in TKA.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 1110 TKAs by three arthroplasty surgeons from October 2016 through September 2019. Exclusion criteria included ambulatory surgery, undocumented tourniquet times, simultaneous bilateral TKA, and diagnoses other than osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or osteonecrosis. Postoperative opioid medications were converted to daily morphine milligram equivalents (MME/day). Secondary outcomes included range of motion (ROM) at 1-month, 3-month, and 1-year visits as well as patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs) at 3 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Nine-hundred and eleven patients were included and stratified based on tourniquet use. Three-hundred and four patients were assigned to a "No Use" group (≤10'); 138 patients to "Low Use" (11-60'); 177 patients to "Medium Use" (61-90'); and 292 patients to "Prolonged Use" (91-120). Compared to No Use, MME/day was significantly increased with Medium Use (+7.676 MME/day, p = 0.001) and Prolonged Use (+12.44 MME/day, p =< 0.001). No significant differences were found between No Use and Low Use groups. Estimated blood loss (EBL) in Low Use and No Use groups was significantly increased compared to other groups (+120 mL, p < 0.001, +109 mL, p < 0.001 respectively). Post-operative ROM and complication rates were similar between groups at 1 year post-TKA.

CONCLUSIONS

A threshold of 60 min of tourniquet time is associated with increased MME/day postoperatively compared to No Tourniquet. Functional and patient-reported outcomes are comparable between groups at 1 year follow-up.

The Fragility of Tourniquet Use in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Physicians utilize P-values to interpret clinical trial data and guide patient-care decisions. Fragility analysis assesses the stability of statistical findings in relation to outcome event reversals. This study assessed the statistical fragility of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

We queried PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE for RCTs comparing outcomes in TKA based on tourniquet use. Fragility index (FI) and reverse fragility index (reverse FI) were calculated - for significant and nonsignificant outcomes, respectively - as the number of outcome reversals required to change statistical significance. The fragility quotient (FQ) was calculated by dividing the FI or reverse FI by the sample size. Median overall FI and FQ were calculated for all included outcomes, and sub-analyses were performed by reported significance. The literature search yielded 23 studies reporting 91 total dichotomous outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall median FI was 4 with an interquartile range (IQR) of 3 to 6. Overall median FQ was 0.0476 (IQR 0.0291 to 0.0867). A total of 11 outcomes were statistically significant with a median FI and FQ of 2 (IQR 1.5 to 5) and 0.0200 (IQR 0.0148 to 0.0484), respectively. There were 80 outcomes that were nonsignificant with a median reverse FI of 4 (IQR 3 to 6). Loss to follow-up was greater than the median FI in 17.6% of outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Altering a small number of outcomes is often sufficient to reverse findings in RCTs evaluating tourniquet use in TKA. We recommend including fragility analyses to increase reliability in the interpretation of study conclusions.

Tourniquets can further reduce perioperative blood loss in patients on dexamethasone and tranexamic acid during cemented total knee arthritis: a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Multiple doses of dexamethasone and tranexamic acid can inhibit postoperative inflammation and reduce fibrinolysis and perioperative blood loss in total knee arthroplasty. In this single-center, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, the aim was to investigate whether applying a tourniquet to patients on dexamethasone and tranexamic acid could further reduce perioperative blood loss.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent cemented total knee arthroplasty at our hospital were randomized to receive a tourniquet (n = 71) or not (n = 70) during the procedure. All patients received multiple doses of dexamethasone and tranexamic acid perioperatively. The primary outcome was perioperative blood loss, while secondary outcomes were surgery duration, postoperative laboratory indices of inflammation and fibrinolysis, range of knee motion, VAS pain score, knee circumference, knee swelling rate, homologous transfusion, albumin use, and complications.

RESULTS

Using a tourniquet was associated with significantly lower intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.001) and total blood loss (P = 0.007) as well as significantly shorter surgery duration (P < 0.001). In contrast, the tourniquet did not significantly affect hidden blood loss, postoperative inflammation or fibrinolysis, range of knee motion, VAS pain score, knee circumference, knee swelling rate, homologous transfusion, albumin use, or complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this randomized clinical trial demonstrate that applying a tourniquet during cemented total knee arthroplasty to patients receiving multiple doses of dexamethasone and tranexamic acid can further reduce perioperative blood loss without increasing the risk of inflammation, fibrinolysis, or other complications. Thus, it is advised to use tourniquets combined with dexamethasone and tranexamic acid to reduce perioperative blood loss and avoid tourniquet-related adverse events.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trail Registry, ChiCTR2200060567. Registered 5 June 2022-retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=171291.

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

BACKGROUND

The 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.

METHODS

We 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.

RESULTS

No 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.

CONCLUSION

The 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.

Tourniquet application in primary total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the influence of a tourniquet on the blood loss, transfusion requirement, swelling, pain, knee function, range of motion (ROM), operation time, bone cement mantle thickness, and complications in patients operated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Two authors independently retrieved PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of a tourniquet in TKA. Fixed- (I ²< 50%) or random-effects (I ²> 50%) models were selected to perform meta-analysis according to the value of I ². Mean difference (MD) and risk ratio were selected as the effect sizes for continuous and dichotomous variables, respectively.

Results

A total of 29 RCTs, involving 2,512 operations (1,258 procedures with a tourniquet and 1,254 procedures without a tourniquet), were included, and 18 outcomes were compared. Tourniquet application could significantly decrease intraoperative blood loss (MD = -138.72 ml, p < 0.001), shorten operation duration (MD = -1.77 min, p < 0.001), and increase cement mantle thickness (MD = 0.17 mm, p < 0.001). However, it was significantly associated with increased postoperative pain intensity, decreased full ROM/flexion ROM/extension ROM, poorer knee function, increased knee swelling, and increased length of hospital stay (LOS) at several follow-up points (p < 0.050). No significant difference was found for postoperative draining volume, total blood loss, transfusion rate, change of Hb level, and risks of deep venous thrombosis and all complications.

Conclusions

Tourniquet application could only decrease the intraoperative blood loss but has no effectiveness on the total blood loss and transfusion requirement. On the contrary, it has a reverse effect on the pain score, knee function, ROM, swelling, and LOS.

Optimization of surgical tourniquet usage to improve patient outcomes: Translational cross-disciplinary implications of a surgical practice survey

Tourniquet use is common practice in many millions of orthopaedic procedures annually. Recent reviews of risks and benefits of surgical tourniquet use have primarily involved meta-analyses, many of which have forgone a comprehensive risk-benefit analysis to simply question whether "tourniquet or no tourniquet" use produces improved patient outcomes, often leading to limited, inconclusive, or conflicting results. To investigate further, a pilot survey was undertaken to determine current practices, opinions, and understandings among orthopaedic surgeons in Canada regarding use of surgical tourniquets in total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). Results of the pilot survey showed a wide range of understanding and practice associated with tourniquet use in TKAs, especially regarding tourniquet pressures and tourniquet times, two key factors known from basic research and clinical studies to impact the safety and efficacy of tourniquet use. The wide variation of use indicated by the survey results reveals important implications for surgeons, researchers, educators, and biomedical engineers, to better understand the association between key tourniquet parameters and outcomes assessed in research, which may be factors leading to their often limited, inconclusive, and conflicting results. Lastly, we provide an overview of the overly simplified assessments of tourniquet use in meta-analyses, whose conclusions may not provide an understanding of how or whether key tourniquet parameters might be optimized to retain the benefits of tourniquet use while mitigating the associated real or perceived risks.

Risk factor of postoperative incision infection after plate internal fixation of calcaneal fractures: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for incision infection after plate internal fixation for calcaneal fractures by a traditional lateral L-shaped approach.

METHODS

The clinical data of 302 patients with calcaneal fractures who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2012 to June 2018 were retrospectively analysed, consisting of 177 males and 125 females. The enrolled patients were aged 21 to 75 years, with a mean age of 47.72 years. According to the Sanders classification, 108 patients were type II, 138 patients were type III, and 56 cases were type IV. A univariate analysis was conducted with sex, age, smoking history, history of diabetes, cause of injury, Sanders type, tension blisters, time from injury to surgery, preoperative haemoglobin, preoperative albumin, operation time, and bone grafting as possible risk factors. The factors with statistically significant differences were selected for multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. The clinical cut-off values of these risk factors were calculated using characteristic curves.

RESULTS

The follow-up lasted for at least 1 year for all patients, with a mean follow-up time of 15.8 months. The results demonstrated 7.9% (24/302) infection rate after plate internal fixation of calcaneal fractures by the traditional lateral L-shaped approach. Univariate analysis showed that a history of diabetes, preoperative albumin, preoperative haemoglobin, time from injury to surgery, and operation time were correlated with incision infection (p < 0.05). Additionally, multivariate regression analysis indicated that a shorter time from injury to surgery (OR = 1.475, 95% CI: 1.024-2.125, p = 0.037), lower preoperative albumin (OR = 1.559, 95% CI: 1.191-2.041, p = 0.001), and longer operation time (OR = 1.511, 95% CI: 1.219-1.874, p < 0.001) were risk factors for postoperative incision infection, and their cut-off values were 10.5 days, 38.5 g/L, and 84.5 minutes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Longer preoperative stay and operation time were two risk factors for postoperative incision infection. However, lower preoperative albumin level is the highest risk factor in this study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered in the China Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100047038).

Use of tranexamic acid may reduce the need for routine tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) administration on bleeding control and to compare its utilization with and without simultaneous use of conventional pneumatic tourniquets during total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2017 and December 2017, a total of 204 patients (23 males, 181 females; mean age: 66±6.9 years; range, 45 to 86 years) who underwent TKA for Stage 4 gonarthrosis were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups as those with (n=110) and without (n=94) pneumatic tourniquet use. Tranexamic acid (1 g) was administered intravenously to all patients in both study groups. Intra- and postoperative blood loss were calculated, and postoperative pain was evaluated by a Visual Analog Scale. Demographic and clinical data were compared between the study groups.

RESULTS

The amount of total blood loss and postoperative blood loss were significantly higher in the tourniquet group than that in the no-tourniquet group (589.4±69.5 mL vs. 490.8±55.2 mL and 326±56 mL vs. 164±35.5 mL, respectively; p<0.001 for both). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly higher in the no-tourniquet group (326.9±42.9 mL vs. 263.5±53.8 mL, respectively; p<0.001). The pain score at 24 h was significantly higher in the tourniquet group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Total blood loss and postoperative pain were significantly higher among patients in whom a tourniquet was used during TKA. Therefore, the routine use of tourniquets with TXA should be reconsidered.

Tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty and the risk of infection: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Purpose

The intra-operative use of tourniquets during Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is common practice. The advantages of tourniquet use include decreased operating time and the creation of a bloodless visualisation field. However, tourniquet use has recently been linked with increased post-operative pain, reduced range of motion, and slower functional recovery. Importantly, there is limited evidence of the effect of tourniquet use on infection risk. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to fill this gap in the literature by synthesising data pertaining to the association between tourniquet use and infection risk in TKA.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed on Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and clinicaltrials.gov up to May 2021. Randomized control trials were included, comparing TKA outcomes with and without tourniquet use. The primary outcome was overall infection rate. Secondary outcomes included superficial and deep infection, skin necrosis, skin blistering, DVT rate, and transfusion rate.

Results

14 RCTs with 1329 patients were included. The pooled incidence of infection in the tourniquet group (4.0%, 95% CI = 2.7–5.4) was significantly higher compared to the non-tourniquet group (2.0%, 95% CI = 1.1–3.1) with an OR of 1.9 (95% CI = 1.1–3.76, p = 0.03). The length of hospital stay, haemoglobin drop (0.33 95% CI =0.12–0.54), P = 0.002) and transfusion rates (OR of 2.7, 95%CI = 1.4–5.3, P = < 0.01) were higher in the tourniquet group than the non-tourniquet group. The difference in the length of inhospital stay was 0.24 days favouring the non-tourniquet group (95% CI = 0.10–0.38, P = < 0.01). The incidence of skin blistering (OR 2.6, 95% CI = 0.7–9.9, p = 0.17), skin necrosis (OR 3.0, 95% CI = 0.50–19.3, p = 0.25), and DVT rates (OR 1.5, 95% CI = 0.60–3.60, p = 0.36) did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusion

Quantitative synthesis of the data suggested tourniquet use was associated with an increased overall risk of infection, intraoperative blood loss, need for blood transfusion and longer hospital stay. Findings of this meta-analysis do not support the routine use of tourniquet in TKA and arthroplasty surgeons should consider any potential additional risks associated with its use.

Level of evidence

meta-analysis, Level II.

The mid-term and long-term effects of tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty: systematic review

PURPOSE

A tourniquet is routinely used during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to reduce intra-operative hemorrhage, though surgery without a tourniquet is becoming popular. To address concerns about the effect of blood at cement interfaces on long-term implant stability, we conducted a systematic review among patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty to determine if TKA with a tourniquet, compared to TKA without a tourniquet or with reduced tourniquet duration, is associated with better mid-term and long-term implant stability.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted without language restriction in PubMed, Cochrane database and Web of Science from conception to 17th March, 2021. Prospective cohorts, randomized and observational, that compared tourniquet use with a control group, followed patients for 3 months or more and reported outcomes concerning implant stability, limb function, pain and inflammation. Article selection, quality assessment according to the Revised Cochrane risk assessment scale and Newcastle Ottawa Scale, and data extraction were conducted in duplicate.

PROSPERO

CRD42020179020.

RESULTS

The search yielded 4868 articles, from which 16 randomized controlled trials (RCT) and four prospective cohort studies, evaluating outcomes of 1884 knees, were included. Eleven RCTs were evaluated to be low overall risk of bias, five RCTs had some concerns and four cohort studies were good quality. Few studies showed benefits of tourniquet use in mid-term implant stability (1/6), pain (1/11) and limb inflammation (1/5), and long-term implant stability (1/1). One study reported a significantly improved range of motion (1/14) while another reported significantly reduced quadriceps strength (1/6) in the tourniquet group. The remaining studies reported non-significant effect of tourniquet use.

CONCLUSION

Although few studies indicated benefits of tourniquet use in mid-term pain, limb inflammation, implant loosening and function, and long-term implant loosening, the majority of studies report no significant advantage of tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty.

Association of Use of Tourniquets During Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Elderly Patients With Post-operative Pain and Return to Function

Objective

During total knee arthroplasty (TKA), tourniquet may negatively impact post-operative functional recovery. This study aimed at investigating the effects of tourniquet on pain and return to function.

Methods

Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to February 15th, 2020. Search terms included; total knee arthroplasty, tourniquet, and randomized controlled trial. RCTs evaluating the efficacies of tourniquet during and after operation were selected. Two reviewers independently extracted the data. Effect estimates with 95% CIs were pooled using the random-effects model. Dichotomous data were calculated as relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Mean differences (MD) with 95% CI were used to measure the impact of consecutive results. Primary outcomes were the range of motion (ROM) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores.

Results

Thirty-three RCTs involving a total of 2,393 patients were included in this study. The mean age is 65.58 years old. Compared to no tourniquet group, the use of a tourniquet resulted in suppressed ROM on the 3rd post-operative day [MD, −4.67; (95% CI, −8.00 to −1.35)] and the 1st post-operative month [MD, −3.18; (95% CI, −5.92 to −0.44)]. Pain increased significantly when using tourniquets on the third day after surgery [MD, 0.39; (95% CI, −0.19 to 0.59)]. Moreover, tourniquets can reduce intra-operative blood loss [MD, −127.67; (95% CI, −186.83 to −68.50)], shorter operation time [MD, −3.73; (95% CI, −5.98 to −1.48)], lower transfusion rate [RR, 0.85; (95% CI, 0.73–1.00)], higher superficial wound infection rates RR, 2.43; [(5% CI, 1.04–5.67)] and higher all complication rates [RR, 1.98; (95% CI, 1.22–3.22)].

Conclusion

Moderate certainty evidence shows that the use of a tourniquet was associated with an increased risk of higher superficial wound infection rates and all complication rates. Therefore, the findings did not support the routine use of a tourniquet during TKA.

Effect of tourniquet use on blood loss, pain, functional recovery, and complications in robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial

Background

Robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been largely studied to confirm its advantages in terms of accurate component positioning, microembolus formation, less blood loss, and so on, but is currently usually performed under tourniquet due to its longer operative time than conventional TKA. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of tourniquet use in robot-assisted TKA on blood loss, pain, functional recovery, and complications.

Methods

Patients scheduled for robot-assisted TKA were prospectively randomized into a tourniquet or non-tourniquet group (each n = 14). The primary outcome measure was blood loss. The secondary outcome measures were operation time; visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores; time to achieve the first straight-leg raise; swelling of the thigh, knee, and calf; range of motion; Hospital for Special Surgery score; length of stay; and postoperative complications.

Results

There was no significant difference in total blood loss between the tourniquet and non-tourniquet groups (738.57 ± 276.158 vs. 866.85 ± 243.422 ml, P = 0.061). The tourniquet group showed significantly lower intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.001), but higher hidden blood loss (P = 0.002). The non-tourniquet group showed better knee range of motion on postoperative days (PODs) 1–3 (all P < 0.001), less thigh swelling on PODs 2 and 3 (P < 0.05), earlier straight-leg raising (P = 0.044), and shorter length of stay (P = 0.044). Thigh pain VAS score at 1 month after surgery was significantly greater in the tourniquet group (P < 0.001), as was knee pain during activity and at rest on PODs 2–3 (all P < 0.05). The tourniquet group also showed a significantly higher rate of tension blisters (28.8% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.038).

Conclusions

Tourniquet use during robot-assisted TKA does not reduce total blood loss, and it appears to increase postoperative pain, aggravate muscle injury, and prolong postoperative recovery.

Trial registration ChiCTR, ChiCTR2100041800. Registered 5 January 2021, http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.

Impact of tourniquet during total knee arthroplasty when tranexamic acid was used: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction

The efficacy of tourniquet use during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is thought to reduce intraoperative blood loss, improve surgical exposure, and optimize cement fixation. Tranexamic acid (TXA) use can decrease postsurgical blood loss and transfusion requirements. This review aimed to appraise the effects of tourniquet use in TKA for patients with tranexamic acid use.

Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted to identify relevant randomized controlled trials involving TXA plus a tourniquet (TXA-T group) and use of TXA plus no tourniquet (TXA-NT group) in TKA. Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Library, Highwire, CNKI, and Wanfang database were searched from 2010 through October 2021.

Results

We identified 1720 TKAs (1690 patients) assessed in 14 randomized controlled trials. Compared with the TXA-NT group, the TXA-T group resulted in less intra-operative blood loss (P < 0.00001) and decreased duration of surgery (P < 0.00001), however more hidden blood loss (P = 0.0004) and less knee range of motion (P < 0.00001). No significant differences were found between two groups in terms of decrease in hemoglobin (P = 0.84), total blood loss (P = 0.79), transfusion rate (P = 0.18), drainage volume (P = 0.06), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at either the day of surgery (P = 0.2), 1 day (P = 0.25), 2 day (P = 0.39), 3 day (P = 0.21), 5 day (P = 0.21), 7 day (P = 0.06) or 1 month after surgery (P = 0.16), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score at either 7 day (P = 0.10), 1 month (P = 0.08), 3 month (P = 0.22) or 6 month after the surgery (P = 0.92), Knee circumference (P = 0.28), length of hospital (P = 0.12), and complications such as intramuscular venous thrombosis (P = 0.81), deep venous thrombosis (P = 0.10), superficial infection (P = 0.45), deep wound infection (P = 0.64), and delayed wound healing (P = 0.65).

Conclusion

No big differences could be found by using or not tourniquet when use the TXA, though some benefits are related to operation time and less intra-operative blood loss by using tourniquet and TXA, Using the tourniquet was related to more hidden blood loss and less knee range of motion. More adequately powered and better-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies with long-term follow-up are required to validate this study.

The role of suction drainage in the management of peri-operative bleeding in Total and Unicomcompartmental knee arthroplasty: a retrospective comparative study

Background

Suction drainage is commonly applied after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to reduce hematoma, swelling and to favor surgical wound healing. However, its efficacy remains controversial; thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate drainage efficiency in the management of postoperative bleeding in TKA and UKA.

Methods

The cohort comprised 134 clinical records of patients affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent either TKA or UKA. All the patients were subdivided into 2 groups: the first one with drainage and the second one without drainage (respectively 61 and 73 patients). For each group, hemoglobin levels in the preoperative, first, second and third postoperative day were collected. Postoperative complications such as swelling, bleeding from the surgical wound or the need for blood transfusion, were also recorded.

Results

Our results did not show any significant difference of hemoglobin levels in the first (p = 0.715), second (p = 0.203) and third post-operative day (p = 0.467) between the two groups. Moreover, no significant correlation between knee swelling or transfusion rate and the drainage was observed (p = 0.703 and p = 0.662 respectively). Besides, a significant correlation was found between bleeding from the surgical wound and the absence of drainage (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

The study demonstrates how the routine use of suction drainage does not provide substantial benefits in the postoperative blood loss management after TKA or UKA.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04508101, 09/08/2020, Retrospectively registered

Level of evidence

III

Comparison of efficacy and safety of different tourniquet applications in total knee arthroplasty: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

Total knee replacement (TKA) is an effective way to treat teratogenic and disabling knee diseases such as advanced osteoarthritis. Tourniquets are often used in TKA to reduce bleeding and to get a better visualization of the surgical field, while it is related to safety concerns. We did this network meta-analysis to comprehensively compare the efficacy and safety of various tourniquet application strategies.

METHOD

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and WanFang Database were systematically searched from January 1990 to May 2020. A network meta-analysis with a frequentist framework was done to assess the relative efficacy and safety by comparing seven clinical important endpoints.

RESULTS

38 eligible studies that assessed 3007 participants who underwent TKA were included in this network meta-analysis. Tourniquet inflation before osteotomy then deflation after wound closure effectively reduce perioperative bleeding (WMD compared with control group -234.66, 95% CI [-409.19 to -60.13]), while shortening the operation time (WMD -8.98, 95%CI [-14.07 to -3.88]) and reducing postoperative complications, including DVT (OR -0.58, 95%CI [-1.19 to 0.03]) and minor wound complications (OR -1.38, 95%CI [-3.00 to 0.25]). No difference was found in the late postoperative knee pain and function outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Using tourniquets during the entire operation can effectively reduce blood loss, but it also can cause many safety problems, including DVTs, wound oozing, delayed healing, and serious wound complications. Tourniquet inflation before osteotomy then deflation after wound closure effectively can reduce perioperative bleeding while shortening the operation time and reducing postoperative complications, so it could be the ideal tourniquet application strategy in TKA.Key messagesThis is the first study that comprehensively compared different tourniquet application strategies to evaluate their impact on postoperative recovery following TKA, and five clinically important endpoints were assessed in this study: perioperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative pain and function, and complications.We conclude that tourniquet inflation before osteotomy then deflation after wound closure could be the ideal tourniquet application strategy in TKA.

Preoperative characteristics and intraoperative factors do not correlate with accomplishments of active straight-leg raising, standing up, and walking after primary total knee arthroplasty

Background

The correlations between patient characteristics and early postoperative functional performances after total knee arthroplasty have not been adequately studied. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of preoperative characteristics (sex, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, hospital for special surgery score) and intraoperative factors (duration of surgery and tourniquet use) on the time required to accomplish active straight-leg-raising, standing up, and walking as the objective performances for the initiation of early postoperative rehabilitation.

Methods

This cross-sectional retrospective study included 307 patients (384 primary total knee arthroplasties). Postoperative times required until each activity was accomplished were measured. Various preoperative characteristics and intraoperative factors that might affect three objective performances were evaluated.

Results

The postoperative times required before each activity was accomplished were 1.5 ± 0.5 days for active straight-leg-raising, 1.2 ± 0.5 days for standing up, and 1.4 ± 0.7 days for walking. There were no significant correlations between any factor (age, body mass index, hospital for special surgery score, duration of surgery, and tourniquet use) and the three objective performances using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. There were no differences in sex or American Society of Anesthesiologists grade for three objective functional assessments by Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Conclusions

Differences in patient preoperative characteristics and intraoperative factors are unlikely to affect three objective functional performances in the early postoperative period. Therefore, there is no need to consider differences between patients when initiating early postoperative rehabilitation.

Effectiveness and Safety of Tourniquet Application Strategies in Total Knee Arthroplasty: a Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We conducted the present meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of long-duration tourniquet and short-duration tourniquet for patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

Published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from inception to January 1, 2021. Studies comparing long-duration tourniquet and short-duration tourniquet in total knee arthroplasty were included. Either a random-effects model or a fixed-effects model was used for meta-analysis depending on the heterogeneity. Statistical analysis was assessed using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

A total of 8 RCTs with a total of 484 patients were eligible and ultimately included in the meta-analysis. Compared with patients in the long-duration tourniquet, those in the short-duration tourniquet were significantly correlated with postoperative drainage volume (WMD = -71.85, 95% CI - 76.52 to - 67.17, P = 0.31), but an increased risk of total blood loss (WMD = 68.13, 95% CI 5.15-131.12, P = 0.03) and intraoperative blood loss (WMD = 137.13, 95% CI 69.06-205.20, P < 0.00001). Two groups showed no significant difference in operation time, visual analogue scale score of knee in early, transfusion rate and incidence of deep venous thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis suggested that the short-duration tourniquet in TKA significantly decreased the postoperative drainage volume, increased the total blood loss and intraoperative blood loss. However, it did not marked decrease the occurrence of transfusion rate. Although the incidence of deep venous thrombosis was reduced in some study, it was not statistically significant. Additional high quality RCTs are needed to identify the hypothesis. Therefore, we recommend prolonged use of tourniquets during TKA surgery.

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

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative 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.

METHODS

This 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.

RESULTS

A 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.

CONCLUSION

Utilization 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.

A comparison of thrombosis in total knee arthroplasty with and without a tourniquet: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Tourniquets are widely used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but the issue of their safety remains controversial. Previous studies have focused on TKA blood loss, duration of surgery, and hemostatic drugs. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze the effect of tourniquet use on postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

Methods

PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized clinical trials published before April 17, 2020, that compared the effect of tourniquet use on postoperative DVT, knee circumference, D-dimers, and pain measured using the visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

Fourteen clinical trials that included 1321 unique participants were included in the meta-analysis. Among the total, 721 and 600 participants were randomized to the tourniquet and non-tourniquet groups, respectively. The incidence of postoperative thrombosis in the tourniquet group was significantly higher than in the non-tourniquet group (RR 2.30, 95% CI 1.51–3.49, P < 0.0001, I² = 0%). On the 1st, 3rd, and 5th to 21st days, and 3 to 6 weeks after surgery, the knee circumference difference of the tourniquet group was significantly larger than that of the non-tourniquet group (P < 0.05). However, 4 to 6 months after the surgery, no significant difference in knee circumference was found between the two groups (MD 0.14, 95% CI −0.02–0.31, P = 0.09, I² = 0%). The VAS score of the tourniquet group was higher than the non-tourniquet group on the 3rd and 5th days after surgery (P < 0.05). However, this difference was not significant (MD 0.31, 95% CI −0.05–0.66, P = 0.09, I² = 89%).

Conclusion

Results of this meta-analysis indicate that tourniquet application could increase the incidence of postoperative DVT and aggravate postoperative pain and swelling in the short term.

Level of evidence

Level III

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.

Closed suction drainages in Lower Limb Joint Arthroplasty: A level I evidence based meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The role of closed suction drainage during elective total joint arthroplasty is still unclear. The present study compared the use of closed suction drains to no drainage for elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and in total hip arthroplasty (THA) through a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials identified in December 2021. All randomized clinical trials comparing the use of closed suction drains to no drainage for elective THA or TKA were considered.

RESULTS

Twenty-five RCTs were included in the final analysis. 49% (1722 of 3505) of patients received no-drainage, and 51% (1783 of 3505) received closed suction drainage. There was no evidence of a statistically significant evidence between the two groups in occurrence of postoperative infections (P = 0.4), mean total postoperative hemoglobin (P = 0.2) or length of hospital stay (P = 0.1). The no-drainage group showed a lower rate of blood transfusion (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

There is no evidence to support the routine use of closed suction drainage in THA or TKA patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Time to reconsider the routine use of tourniquets in total knee arthroplasty surgery

Aims

Many surgeons choose to perform total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery with the aid of a tourniquet. A tourniquet is a device that fits around the leg and restricts blood flow to the limb. There is a need to understand whether tourniquets are safe, and if they benefit, or harm, patients. The aim of this study was to determine the benefits and harms of tourniquet use in TKA surgery.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, and trial registries up to 26 March 2020. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing TKA with a tourniquet versus without a tourniquet. Outcomes included: pain, function, serious adverse events (SAEs), blood loss, implant stability, duration of surgery, and length of hospital stay.

Results

We included 41 RCTs with 2,819 participants. SAEs were significantly more common in the tourniquet group (53/901 vs 26/898, tourniquet vs no tourniquet respectively) (risk ratio 1.73 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10 to 2.73). The mean pain score on the first postoperative day was 1.25 points higher (95% CI 0.32 to 2.19) in the tourniquet group. Overall blood loss did not differ between groups (mean difference 8.61 ml; 95% CI -83.76 to 100.97). The mean length of hospital stay was 0.34 days longer in the group that had surgery with a tourniquet (95% CI 0.03 to 0.64) and the mean duration of surgery was 3.7 minutes shorter (95% CI -5.53 to -1.87).

Conclusion

TKA with a tourniquet is associated with an increased risk of SAEs, pain, and a marginally longer hospital stay. The only finding in favour of tourniquet use was a shorter time in theatre. The results make it difficult to justify the routine use of a tourniquet in TKA surgery.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):830–839.

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.

Tourniquet use for knee replacement surgery

BACKGROUND

Many surgeons prefer to perform total knee replacement surgery with the aid of a tourniquet. A tourniquet is an occlusive device that restricts distal blood flow to help create a bloodless field during the procedure. A tourniquet may be associated with increased risk of pain and complications.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the benefits and harms of tourniquet use in knee replacement surgery.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to 26 March 2020. We searched clinicaltrials.gov, the World Health Organization trials portal, and several international registries and joint registries up to March 2020.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing knee replacement with use of a tourniquet versus without use of a tourniquet and non-randomised studies with more than 1000 participants. Major outcomes included pain, function, global assessment of success, health-related quality of life, serious adverse events (including venous thromboembolism, infection, re-operation, and mortality), cognitive function, and survival of the implant. Minor outcomes included blood loss, economic outcomes, implant stability, and adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors screened abstracts and full texts, extracted data, performed risk of bias assessments, and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 41 RCTs with 2819 participants. Trials included from 20 to 199 participants. Mean age ranged between 58 and 84 years. More than half of the RCTs had unclear risk of selection bias and unclear risk of performance and detection bias due to absence of blinding of participants and surgeons. Major outcomes Pain: at postoperative day 1, pain (on a scale from zero to 10, with higher scores indicating worse pain) was ranked at 4.56 points after surgery without a tourniquet and at 1.25 points (MD) higher (95% CI 0.32 higher to 2.19 higher) with a tourniquet (8 studies; 577 participants), for an absolute difference of 12.5% higher pain scores (95% CI 3.2% higher to 21.9% higher) and a relative difference of 19% higher pain scores (95% CI 3.4% higher to 49% higher) with a tourniquet. Evidence for these findings was of moderate certainty, downgraded due to risk of bias. Knee replacement with a tourniquet probably led to higher postoperative pain scores at day 1, although this difference may or may not be noticeable to patients (based on a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 1.0). Function: at 12 months, tourniquet use probably makes little or no difference to function, based on an MCID of 5.3 for Knee Society Score (KSS) and 5.0 for Oxford Knee Score (OKS). Mean function (on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better outcomes) was 90.03 points after surgery without a tourniquet and was 0.29 points worse (95% CI 1.06 worse to 0.48 better) on a 0 to 100 scale, absolute difference was 0.29% worse (1.06% worse to 0.48% better), with a tourniquet (5 studies; 611 participants). This evidence was downgraded to moderate certainty due to risk of bias. Global assessment of success: low-certainty evidence (downgraded due to bias and imprecision) indicates that tourniquet use may have little or no effect on success. At six months, 47 of 50 (or 940 per 1000) reported overall successful treatment after surgery without a tourniquet and 47 of 50 (or 940 per 1000) with a tourniquet (risk ratio (RR) 1.0, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.10) based on one study with 100 participants. Health-related quality of life: at six months, tourniquet may have little or no effect on quality of life. The 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) score (mental component from zero to 100 (100 is best)) was 54.64 after surgery without a tourniquet and 1.53 (MD) better (95% CI 0.85 worse to 3.91 better) with a tourniquet (1 study; 199 participants); absolute difference was 1.53% better (0.85% worse to 3.91% better). Evidence was of low certainty, downgraded due to risk of bias and small number of participants. Serious adverse events: the risk of serious adverse events was probably higher with tourniquet; 26 of 898 (29 per 1000) reported events following surgery without a tourniquet compared to 53 of 901 (59 per 1000) with a tourniquet (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.73) in 21 studies (1799 participants). Twenty-nine more per 1000 patients (95% CI 3 to 50 more per 1000 patients) had a serious adverse event with a tourniquet. Forty-eight (95% CI 20 to 345) participants would need to have surgery without a tourniquet to avoid one serious adverse event. This evidence was downgraded to moderate certainty due to risk of bias. Cognitive function: one study reported cognitive function as an outcome; however the data were incompletely reported and could not be extracted for analysis. Survival of implant: it is uncertain if tourniquet has an effect on implant survival due to very low certainty evidence (downgraded for bias, and twice due to very low event rates); 2 of 107 (19 per 1000) required revision surgery in the surgery with a tourniquet group compared to 1 of 107 (9 per 1000) without a tourniquet group at up to two years' follow-up (RR 1.44, 95% CI 0.23 to 8.92). This equates to a 0.4% (0.7% lower to 7% more) increased absolute risk in surgery with a tourniquet.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Moderate certainty evidence shows that knee replacement surgery with a tourniquet is probably associated with an increased risk of serious adverse events. Surgery with a tourniquet is also probably associated with higher postoperative pain, although this difference may or may not be noticeable to patients. Surgery with a tourniquet does not appear to confer any clinically meaningful benefit on function, treatment success or quality of life. Further research is required to explore the effects of tourniquet use on cognitive function and implant survival, to identify any additional harms or benefits. If a tourniquet continues to be used in knee replacement surgery, patients should be informed about the potential increased risk of serious adverse events and postoperative pain.

Optimal Handling of the Patella in Tourniquet-Free Total Knee Arthroplasty: Eversion or Lateral Retraction?

Objective

To explore the optimal handling of the patella during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without the intraoperative application of a tourniquet.

Methods

A total of 104 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA without the intraoperative use of tourniquets from December 2018 to March 2019 in our center were included in this prospective randomized double‐blinded study, including 42 men and 62 women with a mean age of 66.3 ± 7.8 years and a minimum follow‐up of 1 year. Patients were randomly divided into an eversion group (n = 52) and a retraction group (n = 52) based on the intraoperative handling of the patella (eversion or lateral retraction). Primary outcome measures, including the visual analog scale at rest (rVAS) and the visual analog scale in motion (mVAS) for both anterior knee pain and thigh pain, opioid consumption, active range of motion (aROM), passive range of motion (pROM), the time needed for return of the straight‐leg raise (SLR), and 90° knee flexion, were recorded by an independent observer, who also noted secondary outcome measures, including operation time, length of stay (LOS), patella‐related (patellar tilt and baja) and other complications, knee swelling, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores, and the 12‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12) scores.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of baseline parameters. At 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively (PO), patients in the eversion group experienced more severe thigh pain than those in the retraction group (24 h: 2.6 ± 0.8 vs 2.2 ± 0.5 [P = 0.003]; 48 h: 2.0 ± 0.5 vs 1.8 ± 0.4 [P = 0.026]; 72 h: 1.1 ± 0.4 vs 0.9 ± 0.5 [P = 0.012], respectively) and consumed more opioids (24 h: 22.3 ± 7.7 vs 15.1 ± 8.9 mg [P < 0.001]; 48 h: 27.3 ± 9.3 vs 21.4 ± 10.5 mg [P = 0.003]; 72 h: 23.1 ± 8.2 vs 19.8 ± 7.6 mg [P = 0.036], respectively), but no significant difference was found in anterior knee pain (both rVAS and mVAS) preoperatively or at 24, 48 or 72 h, 3 weeks, 2 or 6 months, or 1 year PO (P > 0.05). Throughout the 1‐year follow‐up, patients in the retraction group showed significantly better function, including greater aROM and pROM at all time points (P < 0.05) and a shorter period of time needed for return to SLR (1.9 ± 0.7 vs 2.2 ± 0.8 days [P = 0.044]) and 90° knee flexion (1.2 ± 0.7 vs 1.9 ± 0.8 days [P < 0.001]). In addition, no between‐group difference was found in operation time, complication rate, swelling of the knee, or SF‐12 score during the follow‐up period (P > 0.05). The eversion group had a significantly longer LOS (5.61 ± 1.92 vs 4.93 ± 1.45 days [P = 0.044]) and worse HSS score within 2 months PO (3 weeks PO: 77.4 ± 7.6 vs 81.7 ± 7.2 [P = 0.004]; 2 months PO: 85.1 ± 7.2 vs 88.5 ± 6.1 [P = 0.011]), but at the third follow‐up (6 months PO), the HSS score in the two groups became comparable (P > 0.05). No patellar tilt occurred in either group and there was only one case of patellar baja in the eversion group, with no significant between‐group difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

We recommend lateral retraction rather than eversion for optimal handling of the patella during TKA because the postoperative functional recovery is better and thigh pain is relatively less severe.

Effects of tourniquet use in paediatric lower leg surgery

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of the tourniquet and its effect on post-operative pain in the paediatric population following lower leg procedures.

METHODS

A retrospective study of paediatric patients (under the age of 18) undergoing inpatient orthopaedic procedure below the knee performed at a single academic institution between 1st December 2013 and 31st January 2019 was conducted. Primary outcome measures of total opioid consumption during hospital stay and pre-operative nerve block utilization were retrieved from the electronic medical record (EMR). Secondary outcome measures of blood loss, tourniquet time, procedure time and length of hospital stay were also retrieved. Student's t-tests were used to assess statistical significance between two sample means.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 204 paediatric procedures, 118 of which used a tourniquet and 86 of which did not. Paediatric patients with a tourniquet had significantly more opioid consumption post-operatively in the form of weight-based morphine equivalents/length of stay (p = 0.01) compared to those who had no tourniquet. This held true for males (p = 0.049) and females (p = 0.04) respectively. We did not see an increase in wound complications or return trips to the operating room in the tourniquet cohort. All procedures included an osseous component except one procedure in the non-tourniquet group.

CONCLUSION

Minimizing opioid consumption may be achieved by avoiding tourniquet use in paediatric patients with lower leg procedures. In non-anaemic paediatric patients, it is reasonably risk-free to perform these surgeries without the use of tourniquet to decrease opioid dependence in the post-operative period.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Tourniquet use in routine primary total knee arthroplasty is associated with a higher transfusion rate and longer postoperative length of stay: a real-world study

BACKGROUND

In an enhanced recovery after surgery program, a growing number of orthopedists are reconsidering the necessity of tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the impact of tourniquet use on transfusion rate and postoperative length of stay (PLOS) in TKA remains controversial. Therefore, we carried out a study to investigate the effect of tourniquet application in routine primary TKA on transfusion rate and PLOS.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 6325 patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA and divided them into two groups according to whether a tourniquet was applied during the procedure, and a tourniquet was used in 4902 and not used in 1423. The information for transfusion and PLOS was extracted from patients' electronic health records, and the data were analyzed with logistic and linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

Following TKA, the transfusion rate and PLOS were 14.52% and 7.72 ± 3.54 days, respectively, in the tourniquet group, and 6.47% and 6.44 ± 3.48 days, respectively, in the no-tourniquet group. After adjusting for the different related variables, tourniquet use was significantly correlated with a higher transfusion rate (risk ratio = 1.888, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.449-2.461, P < 0.001) and a longer PLOS (partial regression coefficient (B) = 0.923, 95%CI 0.690-1.156, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that tourniquet use in routine primary TKA was related to a higher transfusion rate and a longer PLOS. The impact of tourniquet use on transfusion rate and PLOS should be taken into account in clinical practice.

Finding the optimal control level of intraoperative blood pressure in no tourniquet primary total knee arthroplasty combine with tranexamic acid: a retrospective cohort study which supports the enhanced recovery strategy

Background

With the use of tranexamic acid and control of the blood pressure during the operation, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without tourniquet can be achieved. There is no exact standard for the control level of blood pressure during no tourniquet TKA. We explored the optimal level of blood pressure control during no tourniquet TKA surgery with the use of tranexamic acid in this study.

Methods

Patients underwent TKA were divided into three groups: the mean intraoperative systolic blood pressure in group A was < 90 mmHg, 90–100 mmHg in group B, > 100 mmHg in group C. Total blood loss (TBL), intraoperative blood loss, hidden blood loss, transfusion rate, maximum hemoglobin drop, operation time, and postoperative hospitalization days were recorded.

Results

Two hundred seventy-eight patients were enrolled, 82 in group A, 105 in group B, and 91 in group C. Group A (663.3 ± 46.0 ml) and group B (679.9 ± 57.1 ml) had significantly lower TBL than group C (751.7 ± 56.2 ml). Group A (120.2 ± 18.7 ml) had the lowest intraoperative blood loss than groups B and C. Group C (26.0 ± 4.1 g/l) had the largest Hb change than groups A and B. Group A (62.3 ± 4.7 min) had the shortest operation time. The incidence rate of postoperative hypotension in group A (8, 9.8%) was significantly greater than groups B and C. No significant differences were found in other outcomes.

Conclusion

The systolic blood pressure from 90 to 100 mmHg was the optimal strategy for no tourniquet primary TKA with tranexamic acid.

More pain and slower functional recovery when a tourniquet is used during total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

Although a tourniquet can effectively control intraoperative blood loss and offer clear surgical field in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), its optimal usage has been controversial. The aim of this research was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare and explore the best application of a tourniquet in TKA.

METHODS

MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang database, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the four different strategies of tourniquet application in TKA. In Group I, a tourniquet was not used and was called the non-tourniquet (NT) group. In Group II, a tourniquet was only used during the cementation of implants and was called the specific duration tourniquet (SDT) group. In Group III, the tourniquet was only released before wound closure to control the bleeding sources and was called the majority duration tourniquet (MDT) group. In Group IV, a tourniquet was used throughout the procedure, from skin incision to wound closure and was called the whole duration tourniquet (WDT) group.

RESULTS

Forty-six RCTs were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. In a comparison between the NT and WDT groups (25 RCTs), intraoperative blood loss (IBL) (P = 0.0001) and range of motion (ROM) (P = 0.0001) were significantly increased in the NT group, while the visual analog score (VAS) (P = 0.0001), rate of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (P = 0.01), and all complications (AC) (P = 0.0001) were significantly decreased in the NT group. In a comparison between the SDT and WDT groups (10 RCTs), IBL (P = 0.0001), TBL (P = 0.009), and ROM (P = 0.0001) were significantly increased in the SDT group, while thigh pain (P = 0.04) and the rate of DVT (P = 0.03) were significantly decreased in the SDT group. There were no significant differences between the MDT and WDT groups (12 RCTs) except for the rate of all complications (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Despite the decrease in IBL with a tourniquet, no difference was found in TBL. In conclusion, not using a tourniquet or only using it during the cementation of implants was preferable based on the faster functional recovery, lower rate of DVTs and complications compared with using a tourniquet throughout the TKA procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

I.

Influence of fast-track programs on patient-reported outcomes in total hip and knee replacement (THR/TKR) at Swedish hospitals 2011-2015: an observational study including 51,169 THR and 8,393 TKR operations

Background and purpose - Fast-track care programs have been broadly introduced at Swedish hospitals in elective total hip and knee replacement (THR/TKR). We studied the influence of fast-track programs on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) 1 year after surgery, by exploring outcome measures registered in the Swedish arthroplasty registers.Patients and methods - Data were obtained from the Swedish Knee and Hip Arthroplasty Registers and included TKR and THR operations 2011-2015 on patients with osteoarthritis. Based on questionnaires concerning the clinical pathway and care programs at Swedish hospitals, the patients were divided in 2 groups depending on whether they had been operated in a fast-track program or not. PROs of the fast-track group were compared with not fast-track using regression analysis. EQ-5D, EQ VAS, Pain VAS, and Satisfaction VAS were analyzed for both THR and TKR operations. The PROMs for TKR also included KOOS.Results - The differences of EQ-5D, EQ VAS, Pain VAS, and Satisfaction VAS 1 year after surgery were small but all in favor of fast-track for both THR and TKR, also in subscales of KOOS for TKR except KOOS QoL. However, the effect sizes as measured by Cohens' d formula were < 0.2 for all PROs, in both THR and TKR.Interpretation - Our results indicate that the fast-track programs may be at least as good as conventional care from the perspective of PROs 1-year postoperatively.

Blood management in enhanced recovery after hip and knee replacement

Enhanced recovery in orthopedic surgery is a global patient management strategy to achieve early functional recovery. Blood management is central to rehabilitation protocols after hip or knee replacement. Coagulation physiology in hip and knee replacement is now well described, showing aggravation of bleeding by hyperfibrinolysis. The present study approaches blood management via 3 questions. 1/How to anticipate and prevent transfusion risk preoperatively? Screening for predictive factors can target the at-risk population, enabling a strategy of preoperative hemoglobin level optimization. 2/How to improve intraoperative hemostasis so as to minimize blood loss? Anti-fibrinolytic and topical hemostatic agents have proven efficacy. Tranexamic acid plays a central role. The impact of the usual surgical techniques, such as pneumatic tourniquet and postoperative drainage, on bleeding needs assessment. 3/How to manage postoperative anemia? Anemia without signs of general intolerance is frequent at discharge, but has been little studied. This raises the question of the medical interest of correcting postoperative anemia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Expert opinion, V.

Controversial Topics in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Five-Year Update (Part 2)

This review article examines updates to the literature during the past 5 years on numerous topics which were felt to have ongoing controversy. These topics include venous thromboprophylaxis, tranexamic acid usage, tourniquet usage, and wound closure techniques.

Influence of the Tourniquet on Pain and Function in Total Knee Arthroplasty: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The use of the tourniquet in total knee arthroplasty is still a subject of controversial discussion. Previous studies mainly focus on parameters like blood loss and operation time. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the postoperative outcome involving parameters such as pain intensity, analgesic consumption, knee function and complication rate with and without tourniquet use, to find a recommendation for future application in total knee arthroplasty.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This review is based on the PRISMA Checklists. A systematic research was performed in PubMed using the key words "tourniquet", "total knee arthroplasty", "TKA" and "knee endoprosthesis" up to and including January 2018. The initial search revealed 686 Papers which were extracted by the parameters intensity of pain, analgesic consumption, function (range of motion, Hospital for Special Surgery Score, Knee Society Score) and complications (deep vein thrombosis, surgical side infection, pulmonary embolism). The program Review Manager Version 5.3 was used for statistical analysis. A significance level of p < 0,05 was defined.

RESULTS

18 studies were included in this review with 1279 total knee arthroplasties overall (646 with the use of tourniquet and 633 without). The analysis shows a significant lower pain intensity until the fifth postoperative day (p = 0,03) and also after one to three months (p = 0,04) without using the tourniquet. Range of motion is significantly higher in two to three days postoperatively (p < 0,00 001) when the surgery was performed without tourniquet. Knee Society Score shows no difference between the two groups. A deep vein thrombosis appears significantly more often when using a tourniquet (p = 0,04). There was no higher occurrence in pulmonary embolism and surgical side infections.

CONCLUSION

The use of a pneumatic tourniquet in total knee arthroplasty affects especially the early postoperative pain and functional recovery.

The Effect of Tourniquet Use and Sterile Carbon Dioxide Gas Bone Preparation on Cement Penetration in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Tourniquetless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is experiencing resurgence in popularity due to potential pain control benefits. Furthermore, optimal cement technique and implant fixation remain paramount to long-term cemented TKA success, as aseptic loosening continues to be a leading cause of revision. The purpose of this study is to determine how tourniquet use and/or novel bone preparation using sterile, compressed carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas affected cement penetration in TKA.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on 303 consecutive primary TKAs with the same implant in 3 groups: (1) a tourniquet without sterile CO₂ compressed gas used for bone preparation, (2) no tourniquet with CO₂ gas, and (3) tourniquet use and CO₂ gas bone preparation. Cement penetration was measured on radiographs by two independent, blinded raters across 7 zones defined by the Knee Society Radiographic Evaluation System.

RESULTS

The 3 groups did not differ on age, body mass index, or gender (P ≥ .1). Cement penetration was greater in 6 of 7 zones with significantly greater cement penetration in 3 zones (tibial anteroposterior zone 2, femoral lateral zones 3A and 3P) in groups that utilized CO₂ gas bone preparation compared to the tourniquet only group (P ≤ .039).

CONCLUSION

Bone prepared with CO₂ gas showed significantly more cement penetration in 3 zones with greater cancellous bone. The results suggest that use of CO₂ gas bone preparation may achieve greater cement penetration than using a tourniquet with lavage only.

An updated meta-analysis evaluating limb management after total knee arthroplasty-what is the optimal method?

Purpose

Postoperative knee flexion protocol has been widely recognized as a highly attractive, simple, and cost-effective tactic to improve patient’s outcomes after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, optimal knee position and duration of knee flexion are still controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness of different postoperative knee flexion protocols, as an aid to find out optimal limb management strategy following TKA.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis to identify the available and relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with regard to the influence of different postoperative knee positions on clinical outcomes after primary TKA in electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Med Online, and VIP, up to May 2018. In this meta-analysis, three major subgroups based on diverse postoperative knee flexion protocols were considered: long-term (≥ 24 h) high flexion (> 30°), short term (< 24 h) high flexion (> 30°), and long-term (≥ 24 h) mild flexion (≤ 30°). The statistical analysis was performed using the Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.3 software.

Results

A total of 16 trials were finally included in this meta-analysis. The result of subgroup analysis indicated that keeping the knee in high flexion (> 30°) postoperatively for a long time (≥ 24 h) significantly reduced total blood loss (P < 0.00001), hidden blood loss (P < 0.00001), and transfusion requirements (P = 0.003) and led to a significant improvement in range of motion (ROM) at 1 week after operation (P < 0.00001); keeping the knee in high flexion (> 30°) postoperatively for a short time (< 24 h) significantly reduced total blood loss (P = 0.006) and hidden blood loss (P < 0.00001) but not significantly improved ROM at 1 week after operation (P = 0.34) and reduced transfusion requirements (P = 0.62); and keeping the knee in mild flexion (≤ 30°) postoperatively for a long time (≥ 24 h) significantly reduced total blood loss (P = 0.02) and transfusion requirements (P = 0.02) and improved ROM at 1 week after operation (P < 0.00001) but not significantly reduced hidden blood loss (P = 0.11). Furthermore, there was no significant difference with respect to the rates of wound-related infection and DVT between the three knee flexion subgroups.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis showed that the long-term (≥ 24 h) high flexion (> 30°) protocol could be an optimal limb management to reduce blood loss and blood transfusion requirements and facilitate early postoperative rehabilitation exercises in patients after primary TKA without increasing in complication rate.

A small difference in recovery between total knee arthroplasty with and without tourniquet use the first 3 months after surgery: a randomized controlled study

PURPOSE

When a tourniquet is used during surgery on the extremities, the pressure applied to the muscles, nerves and blood vessels can cause neuromuscular damage that contributes to postoperative weakness. The hypothesis was that the rehabilitation-related results would be improved if total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is performed without the use of a tourniquet.

METHODS

81 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who underwent TKA surgery were randomized to surgery with or without tourniquet. Active flexion and extension of the knee, pain by visual analog scale (VAS), swelling by knee circumference, quadriceps function by straight leg raise, and timed up and go (TUG) test results were measured before and up to 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS

ANCOVA revealed no between-groups effect for flexion of the knee at day 3 postsurgery. Compared with the tourniquet group, the nontourniquet group experienced elevated pain at 24 h, with a mean difference of 16.6 mm, p = 0.005. The effect on mobility (TUG test) at 3 months was better in the nontourniquet group, with a mean difference of -1.1 s, p = 0.029.

CONCLUSIONS

The hypothesis that the rehabilitation-related results would be improved without a tourniquet is not supported by the results. When the results in this study for surgery performed with and without tourniquet are compared, no clear benefit for either procedure was observed, as the more pain exhibited by the nontourniquet group was only evident for a short period and the improved mobility in this group was not at a clinically relevant level.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Inconsistent results, Level II.

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.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 203 primary unilateral cemented TKAs consecutively performed with or without tourniquet was performed. Identical perioperative pain and blood loss protocols were used in all cases. In tourniquetless TKAs, the tourniquet was not inflated at any time, and sterile CO₂ gas compression maximized cement interdigitation.

RESULTS

After exclusions for scientific confounds, 184 TKAs (93 with tourniquet; 91 tourniquetless) were analyzed. Controlling for multiple covariates, females with a tourniquet reported significantly more pain (P = .002) and opioid consumption (P < .001) the first 24 hours after surgery compared to females without a tourniquet. There were no differences in pain (P = .192) or amount of opioids consumed (P = .203) among males with and without a tourniquet. Tourniquet use resulted in a significant reduction in blood loss for both females (P ≤ .040) and males (P ≤ .020), although the total blood savings of approximately 200 mL is of unknown clinical significance.

CONCLUSION

Avoiding tourniquet use during TKA for females may be a relatively risk-free adjunct to minimize opioid consumption during hospitalization. Further study is warranted to elucidate the factors accounting for different outcomes in females and males.