Modern pneumatic tourniquets in orthopaedic nursing practice

Summary Pneumatic tourniquets are used in over 1 million surgical cases annually in North America [McEwen, J., 2005. Retrieved 2.10.2006 "Complications and preventative measures". ]. There is a paucity of nursing literature about the complications and preventative measures in relation to pneumatic tourniquet use. Pneumatic tourniquets may be used in surgical and nonsurgical settings to establish a bloodless field for extremity surgery and anaesthetic procedures. Nevertheless, their use may induce injuries that are commonly transient and even unnoticeable but some are permanent. Injuries vary depending on the inflated pressure, the duration of inflation and the physical status of the patient. Current evidence based research has predominantly come from medical research. This article outlines the historical background, relevant physiological changes induced by tourniquet during surgery and issues of nursing management relevant to orthopaedic nursing to prevent and reduce tourniquet injury.