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Vayalapra S, Guerero DN, Balasubramanian B, Palaparthy P, Venkatesan M, Sinha M. Improving the Safety of Tourniquet Use in a Trauma Theatre According to the British Orthopaedic Association Guidelines: A Closed Loop Audit. Cureus 2024; 16:e51601. [PMID: 38313878 PMCID: PMC10836851 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tourniquets are used widely in trauma and orthopaedic surgery to reduce blood loss and facilitate better visualisation of the operative field; however, some complications can result from improper use such as pressure sores, chemical burns, compartment syndrome, and deep vein thrombosis. We audited the use of intraoperative tourniquets in our trauma theatre against the guidance published by the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) in 2021. Methods This was a closed-loop audit evaluating 80 trauma operations that utilised tourniquets. In the first cycle, we audited 40 operations (23 upper limbs vs 17 lower limbs) over a period of two months through a review of operation notes and theatre documentation. We presented our findings and implemented changes including the addition of tourniquet use to the operation note template and labels on the tourniquet machines aiding the calculation of tourniquet pressures. A re-audit was then performed involving a further 40 operations (20 upper limbs and 20 lower limbs). Statistical analyses were performed to compare the two cycles. Results Tourniquet time was on average similar across both audit cycles (60.7 vs 70.0, p = 0.192) with compliance up to standard in 97% of cases. Post-intervention, there was an improvement in the documentation of skin status (37 vs 69%, p = 0.004), tourniquet isolation method (43% vs 74%, p = 0.003), and tourniquet pressure (71% vs 94%, p = 0.003). The difference between tourniquet pressure and systolic blood pressure was on average lower post-intervention for the upper limb (125.9 vs 99.9, p < 0.01) and lower limb operations (154.2 vs 121.7, p < 0.01). Adherence to the British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma (BOAST) guidance with tourniquet pressure improved with intervention (25% vs 75%). Conclusion The introduction of tourniquet parameters in the operation note template and patient-specific calculation of tourniquet pressures improved the safe use of tourniquets within the trauma theatre.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maneesh Sinha
- Trauma and Orthopaedics, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, GBR
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Warner C, Peach C, Davies R. Widening Access: Sterile Tourniquets for Surgery to the Distal Humerus. Cureus 2023; 15:e46148. [PMID: 37900452 PMCID: PMC10613037 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose of the study The use of tourniquets during surgery of the distal humerus can improve visibility and reduce surgical time. However, the available operating field can be limited due to the size and placement of the tourniquet. This proof-of-concept study aimed to determine if sterile tourniquets can provide a wider surgical field compared to non-sterile tourniquets for procedures around the distal humerus. Methods Volunteers (n = 5) were positioned to simulate access to the distal humerus. The distance from the posterior corner of the acromion to the tip of the olecranon was measured. Participants were draped according to the standard protocol for the use of a non-sterile or sterile tourniquet for distal humerus and humeral shaft fractures. Two non-sterile pneumatic tourniquets (standard and narrow) and two sterile tourniquets (pneumatic and elastic exsanguination) were tested. The surgical field was measured from the sterile drape or tourniquet proximally to the tip of the olecranon. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to examine the effect of each tourniquet on the surgical field. Results The sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquet had the largest available field with a mean of 24.4 cm (71% of arm available for incision after application), followed by the sterile pneumatic tourniquet of 20.0 cm (58%), narrow non-sterile pneumatic of 19.2 cm (55%), and standard non-sterile pneumatic of 17.0 cm (49%). Repeated measures ANOVA determined that mean surgical field length is statistically significant between tourniquet devices (F (1.729, 6.914) = 21.783, p = .001). The surgical field length was statistically significantly increased from a non-sterile standard tourniquet to a sterile elastic tourniquet (7.4 (95% CI, 2.9-11.9) cm, p = .008) but not the other two tourniquet devices tested. Conclusion The use of certain types of sterile tourniquets can provide a wider surgical field compared to non-sterile tourniquets for procedures around the distal humerus, specifically the sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquet providing a statistically significant mean gain of 7.4 cm from the non-sterile tourniquets. These findings suggest that the use of sterile tourniquets should be considered more frequently in surgery of the distal humerus, and a sterile exsanguinating tourniquet could be considered for midshaft humeral fractures, facilitating safer exposure of the radial nerve and reduced blood loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Warner
- Trauma and Orthopaedics, Manchester Shoulder and Elbow Unit, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, GBR
| | - Christopher Peach
- Trauma and Orthopaedics, Manchester Shoulder and Elbow Unit, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, GBR
| | - Ronnie Davies
- Trauma and Orthopaedics, Manchester Shoulder and Elbow Unit, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, GBR
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Hoxhaj M, Light MB, Dadario NB, Cook B, Cataldo MJ, Jafri FN. The Impact of the Addition of a Virtual Reality Trainer on Skill Retention of Tourniquet Application for Hemorrhage Control Among Emergency Medical Technician Students: A Pilot Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e34320. [PMID: 36865981 PMCID: PMC9971574 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trauma is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) often arrive first at the scene of traumatic injuries to perform life-saving skills such as tourniquet placement. While current EMT courses teach and test tourniquet application, studies have shown efficacy and retention of EMT skills such as tourniquet placement decay over time, with educational interventions needed to improve retention of skills. METHODS A prospective randomized pilot study was conducted to determine differences in retention of tourniquet placement among 40 EMT students after initial training. Participants were randomly assigned to either a virtual reality (VR) intervention or a control group. The VR group received instruction from a refresher VR program 35 days after initial training as a supplement to their EMT course. Both the VR and control participants' tourniquet skills were assessed 70 days after initial training by blinded instructors. Results: There was no significant difference in correct tourniquet placement between both groups (Control, 63% vs Intervention, 57%, p = 0.57). It was found that 9/21 participants (43%) in the VR intervention group failed to correctly apply the tourniquet while 7/19 of the control participants (37%) failed in tourniquet application. Additionally, the VR group was more likely to fail the tourniquet application due to improper tightening than the control group during the final assessment (p = 0.04). Conclusion: In this pilot study, using a VR headset in conjunction with in-person training did not improve the efficacy and retention of tourniquet placement skills. Participants who received the VR intervention were more likely to have errors relating to haptics, rather than procedure-related errors.
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Kubo Y, Ikeya M, Sugiyama S, Takachu R, Tanaka M, Sugiura T, Kobori K, Kobori M. Association between Preoperative Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Oxidative Stress Immediately after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Pilot Study. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13062093. [PMID: 34205251 PMCID: PMC8235381 DOI: 10.3390/nu13062093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Quadriceps muscle atrophy following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be caused by tourniquet-induced ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury, which is often accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects against IR injury, whereas n-6 LCPUFAs, particularly arachidonic acid (AA), exhibit pro-inflammatory effects and promote IR injury. This study aimed to examine whether preoperative serum EPA + DHA levels and the (EPA + DHA)/AA ratio are associated with oxidative stress immediately after TKA. Fourteen eligible patients with knee osteoarthritis scheduled for unilateral TKA participated in this study. The levels of serum EPA, DHA, and AA were measured immediately before surgery. Derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) were used as biomarkers for oxidative stress. The preoperative serum EPA + DHA levels and the (EPA + DHA)/AA ratio were found to be significantly negatively correlated with the serum d-ROM levels at 96 h after surgery, and the rate of increase in serum d-ROM levels between baseline and 96 h postoperatively. This study suggested the preoperative serum EPA + DHA levels and the (EPA + DHA)/AA ratio can be negatively associated with oxidative stress immediately after TKA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kubo
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kobori Orthopedic Clinic, 548-2 Nearaichou, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu 433-8108, Japan; (S.S.); (R.T.); (T.S.); (K.K.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Masae Ikeya
- Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Tokoha University, 1230, Miyakodachou, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu 431-2102, Japan;
| | - Shuhei Sugiyama
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kobori Orthopedic Clinic, 548-2 Nearaichou, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu 433-8108, Japan; (S.S.); (R.T.); (T.S.); (K.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Rie Takachu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kobori Orthopedic Clinic, 548-2 Nearaichou, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu 433-8108, Japan; (S.S.); (R.T.); (T.S.); (K.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Maki Tanaka
- Rehabilitation Sciences, Seirei Christopher University, 3453 Mikataharachou, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu 433-8558, Japan;
| | - Takeshi Sugiura
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kobori Orthopedic Clinic, 548-2 Nearaichou, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu 433-8108, Japan; (S.S.); (R.T.); (T.S.); (K.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Kaori Kobori
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kobori Orthopedic Clinic, 548-2 Nearaichou, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu 433-8108, Japan; (S.S.); (R.T.); (T.S.); (K.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Makoto Kobori
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kobori Orthopedic Clinic, 548-2 Nearaichou, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu 433-8108, Japan; (S.S.); (R.T.); (T.S.); (K.K.); (M.K.)
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Morelli I, Maffulli N, Brambilla L, Agnoletto M, Peretti GM, Mangiavini L. Quadriceps muscle group function and after total knee arthroplasty-asystematic narrative update. Br Med Bull 2021; 137:51-69. [PMID: 33517365 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldaa041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article systematically summarizes the present evidences, published in the last 20 years, regarding the pre- and post-operative factors, which may influence recovery of the function of the quadriceps muscle group following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We following the PRISMA methodology, including meta-analyses and high-level evidence studies (prospective trials, and, when unavailable, retrospective studies). SOURCES OF DATA Pubmed and Cochrane databases: 582 articles were identified and 54 of them were selected. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Tourniquets inflated at high pressure exert a detrimental effect on the quadriceps muscle group. Faster quadriceps recovery takes place using mini-invasive approaches, an eight-week rehabilitation period including balance training and the use of nutraceuticals. AREAS OF DISAGREEMENT Pre-habilitation and pre-operative factors, analgesic methods and different TKA implants. GROWING POINTS AND AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Telerehabilitation seems a cost-effective tool for rehabilitation after TKA. Patients' optimization protocols before TKA should include standardized nutraceuticals intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Morelli
- Residency Program in Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Milan, via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Maffulli
- San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona Hospital "Clinica Orthopedica" Department, Hospital of Salerno, Via San Leonardo, 84125 Salerno, Italy.,Institute of Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University School of Medicine, Thornburrow Drive, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST5 5BG United Kingdom.,Queen Mary University of London, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Mile End Hospital, 275 Bancroft Road, London E1 4DG, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Brambilla
- Residency Program in Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Milan, via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Agnoletto
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maria Peretti
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Italy
| | - Laura Mangiavini
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, via Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Italy
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Chiew AL, Tran CTT, Mackenzie J. Effect of tourniquet time on whole blood point-of-care lactate concentration: A healthy human volunteer study. Emerg Med Australas 2021; 33:647-654. [PMID: 33395737 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.13697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lactate is frequently utilised in clinical practice. Some have concerns that tourniquet application for venous blood collection may falsely elevate venous lactate. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of tourniquet time on varying venous lactate concentrations. METHODS This is a healthy volunteer study, in which subjects were their own controls. A cannula was inserted into each arm, with a tourniquet remaining on one. Subjects were allocated to one of three groups; rest (no activity), exercise (maximal exertion to elevate lactate concentrations) with immediate tourniquet application or exercise with delayed (5-min post-exercise) tourniquet application. In all blood was drawn simultaneously from both cannulas at 0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 15-min post-tourniquet application and analysed for lactate on a point-of-care device. The primary outcome was a clinically significant difference (>1 mmol/L) in tourniquet versus non-tourniquet arm lactate concentration. RESULTS There were 10 subjects per group; the exercise groups achieved a mean maximum lactate concentration of 10.4 mmol/L (standard deviation [SD] 3.6) (exercise with immediate tourniquet application group) and 8.9 mmol/L (SD 2.5) (exercise with delayed tourniquet application group). There was no clinically significant increase in lactate concentration in the tourniquet compared to non-tourniquet arm in all groups, across all tourniquet application times, and over a range of lactate concentrations. In the rest group after 15-min of tourniquet application the mean lactate concentration of the tourniquet versus non-tourniquet arm was 0.91 mmol/L (SD 0.55) versus 0.89 mmol/L (SD 0.46) (P = 0.99), respectively. CONCLUSION In the present study tourniquet application for blood collection did not significantly increase lactate concentration. Hence, clinically a raised venous lactate concentration should not be attributed to prolonged tourniquet application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L Chiew
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital Clinical School, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine T-T Tran
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital Clinical School, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Mackenzie
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Balakrishnan V, Wilson J, Taggart B, Cipolla J, Jeanmonod R. Impact of Phlebotomy Tourniquet Use on Blood Lactate Levels in Acutely Ill Patients. CAN J EMERG MED 2016; 18:358-62. [PMID: 27618976 DOI: 10.1017/cem.2016.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lactate levels are increasingly used to guide resuscitation efforts. Some surgical literature suggests that tourniquet use during phlebotomy falsely elevates results, although studies in healthy volunteers have not demonstrated this. The purpose of this study was to determine in clinical practice whether tourniquet use during the drawing of a lactate results in significantly altered levels compared to the result of a level drawn without a tourniquet. METHODS A prospective cohort study was carried out on emergency department patients whose clinical presentation led a physician to order a lactate level. Written informed consent was obtained from patients or their proxies. Study lactates were obtained using a tourniquet during the draw sequence of other laboratory studies. Lactate levels for clinical use were drawn per hospital protocol with no tourniquet. The time of lactate measurements and patient demographic information were recorded. Lactate levels for each patient were compared with the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test. RESULTS 40 patients were consented and enrolled. The median clinical lactate level was 1.9 (interquartile range 1.5-2.6), and the median study lactate level was 1.9 (interquartile range 1.4-2.7). There was no difference between paired lactate values (p=0.95). CONCLUSIONS Tourniquet use appears to have no impact on measured lactate levels. Our findings suggest that current practices at many institutions regarding lactate collection are likely too stringent and should be changed.
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