Preventing Post-Operative Tourniquet Pain

Post TKA Tourniquet pain appears in the thigh region where the tourniquet was placed during surgery. It’s caused by compressing thigh muscles, especially the lining of the muscle called the fascia. Patients describe the pain like having a “Charlie Horse” all around the thigh. It intensifies when the patient tries to straighten the knee or walk. This pain can be severe, moderate, or mild. It can last days to even months. According to scientific publications:

• 35-40% of patients treated with pneumatic tourniquets report post-TKA Tourniquet Pain.
• Only 12% of patients where HemaClear® was used to complain.

Post TKA Tourniquet Pain may slow down recovery and extend a patient’s hospital stay. It is associated with an increased need for post-operative narcotic pain medications.