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Distal forearm tourniquet for hand surgery.
Alberto D Delgado-Martinez1, J M Marchal, F Blanco
1Hospital Universitario Neurotraumatológico, Complejo Hospitalario de Jaén, Universidad de Jaén, Ed. B-3, 23071 Jaen, Spain. adelgado@ujaen.es
International Orthopaedics
|October 14, 2004
Summary
A distal forearm tourniquet is effective and safe for hand surgery. This painless method provides a bloodless field with minimal complications, proving useful for surgical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Tourniquets are commonly used in extremity surgery to achieve a bloodless field.
- The optimal placement of tourniquets in hand surgery is debated.
- Distal forearm tourniquet application is an alternative technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical usefulness of a tourniquet placed at the distal forearm in hand surgery.
- To assess pain, surgical field quality, and complications associated with distal forearm tourniquet use.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 30 patients undergoing hand surgery.
- Nerve-block anesthesia was employed with tourniquets applied to the distal forearm.
- Data collected included pain levels, finger flexion, field hemostasis, and short-term/long-term complications.
Main Results:
- The mean ischemia time was 19.6 minutes.
- A completely bloodless surgical field was achieved in all cases.
- Low intraoperative pain was reported, with manageable finger flexion.
- No serious intraoperative or follow-up complications were observed over 18 months.
Conclusions:
- Distal forearm tourniquet application is a safe and effective method for hand surgery.
- The technique provides excellent hemostasis with minimal patient discomfort and surgeon inconvenience.
- It is a viable and useful alternative for achieving a bloodless field in hand procedures.