Background: Ankle arthroscopy is commonly performed using a thigh tourniquet and is thought to improve visibility and reduce operative time. However, the current evidence is unclear as to whether the use of a tourniquet provides these benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is any clinical benefit of using a tourniquet in ankle arthroscopy.
Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was undertaken. All clinical studies published in Medline, Embase, PubMed and the Cochrane Library Database from inception until January 2023 reporting on the use of a tourniquet in ankle arthroscopy were included.
Results: 180 studies were identified of which 3 (164 patients) met the inclusion criteria. All studies showed no statistically significant difference in mean surgical time and complication rate between the tourniquet and non-tourniquet groups. Overall, the quality of the evidence was moderate to poor without data in favour or against the routine use of tourniquets in ankle arthroscopy.
Conclusion: The current literature suggests that there are no significant differences in mean surgical time and complication rate between the tourniquet and non-tourniquet groups.
Keywords: ATFL; Ankle; Arthrodesis; Arthroscopy; Foot; Instability; Ligament; Orthopaedics; Osteochondral lesion; Systematic review; Tourniquet.
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