Background: Pneumatic tourniquets are frequently employed in extremity surgeries, aiming to enhance intraoperative visibility and minimize blood loss. Although their benefits and drawbacks have been extensively studied in lower limb operations, their impact on upper limb procedures, particularly elbow surgery, remains poorly understood. This study investigates the advantages and risks associated with pneumatic tourniquet used in elbow surgery.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 183 patients who underwent elbow surgery for fractures between January 2019 and September 2023. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: those who underwent surgery with a tourniquet (WT) and those without a tourniquet (NT). Subgroup analyses were performed based on fracture complexity. Data collected included patient characteristics, tourniquet usage, surgical duration, pre- and postoperative hemoglobin levels, C-reactive protein levels, pain assessments, opioid administration, hospital stay duration, follow-up, complications, and revisions. Statistical analyses were used to identify significant differences and correlations.
Results: The use of a tourniquet in elbow surgery yielded several notable outcomes. Patients in the WT group experienced significantly shorter surgical durations and hospital stays. Hemoglobin drop was lower in the WT group, indicating reduced blood loss. However, there were no significant differences in postoperative pain, opioid consumption, or complications between the WT and NT groups. Subgroup analysis revealed that the recorded differences, particularly shorter surgical durations, were more pronounced in complex fractures.
Conclusions: This study shows promising results in the use of pneumatic tourniquets in elbow surgery in terms of enhanced efficiency, reduced blood loss, and overall safety, without compromising patient outcomes. However, the potential influence of perioperative decision-making on tourniquet usage underscores the need for further research to elucidate its role and optimize its application, especially in complex elbow fractures.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2024.05.049 | DOI Listing |
Lateral epicondylitis, de Quervain tenosynovitis, and trigger finger are among the most common tendinopathies of the upper extremity. Lateral epicondylitis is a common condition that can be very frustrating to patients. Many patients will improve without any acute interventions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe incidence of ulnar collateral ligament injuries has increased over the past decade. As a result, the rate of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction has increased dramatically at all levels of competition in overhead athletes. Currently, there is no consensus on milestones during rehabilitation or a largely agreed-upon structured throwing program after ulnar collateral ligament injuries.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) complex is integral for valgus elbow stability, especially in individuals engaged in repetitive overhead activities such as throwing. MUCL injuries often necessitate surgical intervention to restore elbow stability. Early studies reporting outcomes after MUCL repair demonstrated suboptimal return to play compared with ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, prompting a shift toward reconstruction techniques.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUlnar collateral ligament injury of the elbow is a problem most associated with baseball pitchers but can be a challenging pathology for any overhead throwing athlete. The prevalence of these injuries has been steadily increasing over the past several decades, as has the need for surgical management. Surgical reconstruction has long been considered the gold standard for complete ulnar collateral ligament injuries in throwers, but repair has surfaced as a viable option for younger patients or those with isolated proximal or distal injuries with good tissue quality.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Shoulder Elbow Surg
December 2024
Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics - Medical University of Vienna, AKH Wien, Vienna, Austria. Electronic address:
Background: While outcomes following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) have often been gauged through radiological assessments focusing on prosthesis position, there is increasing recognition of patient-reported outcomes, particularly satisfaction, as indicators of surgical success. The objective of this study was to correlate radiological findings with clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Materials And Methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on patients following rTSA at a minimum of two years postoperatively.
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!