Outpatient Knee Replacement without a Tourniquet (also known as Tourniquet-less knee replacement)

Up until now, the idea of doing a knee replacement without a tourniquet was considered crazy. A tourniquet is a device that stops blood flow to the leg high pressure compression. However, the thought of going home on the same day of a joint replacement was a wild idea until recently.

Today, we are seeing a fundamental change in how medicine is practiced.  We are working hard to minimize pain, reduce narcotic use postoperatively, and ensure better outcomes.  While we currently do local injections for hip and knee replacements in order to reduce postoperative pain, we have asked ourselves what else can be done.

By not using a tourniquet, we reduce pain by not compressing the thigh muscles and blood vessels therefore reducing muscle injury. Blood loss is thought to be much less because of early identification of the bleeding vessels.  Data shows there is no difference in outcomes due to loosening, which had been a prior concern.  We also save Operating Room time by not having to apply the tourniquet. 

We will be updating our page about tourniquet-less knee replacement over the next few weeks with information videos and photos.
Our goal is patient satisfaction, and we work hard to be at the leading edge of joint replacement. We consistently use the best available  data to support and ensure the best outcomes.

Read more in our patient education center.

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