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Tourniquet Application: Does It Reduce Blood Loss Among Children Undergoing Corrective Osteotomy?
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Angular deformities of the knee are not rare in Nigeria, and are a usual cause of serious concern for parents.
METHOD: In this prospective study, 96 angular deformities of the knee in patients aged 4-20 years were treated by corrective osteotomy and cast application. Half of this operations were done with thigh tourniquet and half without. All the patients included in the study had hemoglobin levels of 11.5g/dl and above.
AIM: The aim of the study was to estimate the difference in blood loss between the two groups.
RESULTS: There was signifant reduction in hemoglobin levels in both groups postoperatively P< 0.005. (P<- 2.68) and the difference was not statistically significant between the two groups (0.05< P< 0.10)
CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the use of tourniquet may not significantly reduce blood loss during such operations. Its use may not be necessary in all corrective osteotomies.
KEY WORD: Tourniquet use, Blood loss corrective osteotemy.
Nigerian Journal of Orthopaedics and Trauma Vol.3(2) 2004: 134-138
METHOD: In this prospective study, 96 angular deformities of the knee in patients aged 4-20 years were treated by corrective osteotomy and cast application. Half of this operations were done with thigh tourniquet and half without. All the patients included in the study had hemoglobin levels of 11.5g/dl and above.
AIM: The aim of the study was to estimate the difference in blood loss between the two groups.
RESULTS: There was signifant reduction in hemoglobin levels in both groups postoperatively P< 0.005. (P<- 2.68) and the difference was not statistically significant between the two groups (0.05< P< 0.10)
CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the use of tourniquet may not significantly reduce blood loss during such operations. Its use may not be necessary in all corrective osteotomies.
KEY WORD: Tourniquet use, Blood loss corrective osteotemy.
Nigerian Journal of Orthopaedics and Trauma Vol.3(2) 2004: 134-138
