Effects of Digital Tourniquet Ischemia: A Single Center Study

Abstract

Tourniquet application time is precious. While operating under tourniquet control, the extremity becomes increasingly acidotic. Tourniquet ischemia longer than 20 minutes causes local acidosis and muscle fatigue. Women and persons who weighed less could reach acidotic pH values faster than men or heavier patients. If applications longer than 20 minute are expected, the tourniquet should be released at 20 minutes, allowing the finger to reperfuse for 3-5 minutes to clear the acidosis before reapplication of tourniquet.

Surgical pearl: Simple techniques for achieving hemostasis on digital lesions

“…Third, the procedures requiring more than 20 min, then allow the finger to re-perfuse for 3–5 min. [ 4 ] Fourth, the trapping of digits should be avoided in patients with having pulse less or feeble pulse of digital artery.…”

Randomised controlled trial comparing marksmanship following application of a tourniquet or haemostatic clamp in healthy volunteers

“…However, the application of a tourniquet is not a benign intervention, as it has been associated with nerve palsies,10 limb ischaemia11 and iatrogenic amputations 12. Furthermore, the individual applying the device must be well trained in order for the tourniquet to be effective 2 8.…”