OBJECTIVETo determine the value of the use of a pneumatic tourniquet in total knee arthroplasty.

METHODSSixty patients were prospectively randomized into 2 groups, one group underwent total knee replacement with a tourniquet (n = 30) and one without (n = 30). Operating time, blood loss, postoperative mean morphine requirement, swelling, ecchymosis, earlier straight-leg raising and postoperative knee flexion were measured in both groups.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference in the total blood loss between the 2 groups although the intraoperative blood loss was significantly greater in those without a tourniquet. The mean morphine requirement, postoperative swelling, scope of ecchymosis, earlier straight-leg raising and postoperative knee flexion in the patients that had surgery without a tourniquet were significantly better than those with a tourniquet.

CONCLUSIONKnee arthroplasty operation with the use of a tourniquet has only small benefits on the total blood loss, but hinder in patients' early postoperative rehabilitation exercises.