A comparison of upper arm and forearm tourniquet tolerance

This study examined the use of upper arm and forearm tourniquets for hand surgery. 40 subjects (20 males, 20 females) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: left upper arm, left forearm, right upper arm and right forearm. Tourniquets were applied to these areas. Subjects were asked to rate their discomfort at 10-minute intervals and the total time of tourniquet tolerance was recorded. The results of a three-factor ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences in either pain rating or tourniquet tolerance between any of the groups. In addition, forearm tourniquets were used in 18 clinical cases. None of the individuals with tourniquet times less than 30 minutes required any medication in order to tolerate this procedure. Of the 13 patients with tourniquet times greater than 30 minutes, ten required medication in order to tolerate the procedure. We conclude that patients tolerate upper arm and forearm tourniquets equally.