TOURNIQUET VERSUS NO TOURNIQUET USE IN KNEE VIDEOARTHROSCOPY: A MULTICENTRIC, PROSPECTIVE, DOUBLE-BLIND, RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

To evaluate whether, by using an arthropump (irrigation equipment with pressure sensor), pneumatic tourniquet use could interfere with the duration of surgery, recovery of movement and joint volume in patients who underwent knee videoarthroscopy for partial meniscectomy. Methods: 103 patients divided randomly into two groups regarding use or nonuse of a pneumatic tourniquet were evaluated in five different centers by seven different surgeons. The variables were evaluated during the surgery and seven days after the operation. Results: No statistically significant differences were found among any of the variables studied. Conclusion: There are no reasons that would either justify or discredit tourniquet use in this specific situation.