Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Is tourniquet use necessary for knee arthroscopy?
With several studies identifying the tourniquet as a factor for increased risk of complications in knee arthroscopy, we wished to identify whether its use is necessary. ⋯ Many orthopaedic units continue to use a tourniquet routinely for knee arthroscopy, probably in the belief that a clear operative view can only be achieved with one. However, the findings in our trial indicate that knee arthroscopy may be performed adequately without the use of a tourniquet. Therefore, we recommend that its routine use for this procedure is discontinued.