Glossary
Tourniquet (surgical thigh cuff)
Quick answer
A surgical tourniquet is an inflatable cuff placed high on the thigh that, when pressurised, temporarily stops blood flow to the leg so the surgeon has a clear, bloodless view. Its use and duration are kept to what is needed, says Dr. Pablo Gelber, knee surgeon at Aman Hospital in Doha, Qatar.
What it is
It works like a large blood-pressure cuff. After you are anaesthetised, it is wrapped around the upper thigh over padding, the leg may be drained of blood with an elastic wrap, and the cuff is inflated to a set pressure. A monitor tracks the pressure and the time it has been inflated.
It is released at the end of the procedure, or earlier if the surgeon wants to check bleeding before closing.
Why it matters for patients
A clear view can make delicate steps, such as harvesting a graft or cementing an implant, more precise. In knee replacement, however, many surgeons now use it for only part of the operation or not at all, because prolonged use can increase thigh pain and swelling and may slow early quadriceps recovery.
Thigh soreness, mild bruising or skin marks under the cuff are common and settle within days.
Safety
Tourniquet time and pressure are kept within accepted limits. It is used cautiously in people with poor leg circulation, previous vascular surgery or a history of clots. Tell your team about any of these at the pre-operative assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is the tourniquet painful?
You do not feel it during surgery because you are anaesthetised. Afterwards the upper thigh can ache or feel bruised for a few days.
Does using a tourniquet increase clot risk?
Evidence suggests any effect is small when it is used within normal time limits. Clot prevention measures after surgery remain important regardless.
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