OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if by using a pressure sensitive pump, tourniquet use could affect surgical time, range of motion recovery, and joint volume in patients who underwent knee arthroscopy for medial partial meniscectomy. METHODS: Two groups of 103 patients operated in five different centers by seven different surgeons were evaluated after a random selection to use or not use a pneumatic tourniquet. The variables were evaluated during surgery and seven days post-operation. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found among any of the variables studied. CONCLUSION: There is no reason to justify or disapprove tourniquet use in this specific situation.
Surgery; Arthroscopy; Tourniquets
