Above ankle tourniquets in young and adolescent children foot surgery

Abstract

We undertook a prospective study of 53 consecutive foot surgery under general anesthesia in young and adolescent children over a 4.5-year period to assess the safety and efficacy of above ankle tourniquet in the surgery of certain pediatric foot disorders. The average age was 8.4 (1–14) years. The tourniquet pressure used ranged from 200–225 mmHg (average 217.92 mmHg). The average duration of tourniquet ischemia was 39.7 min (6–73 min). There were no post-operative complications noted with ankle cuffs. No patient has neurological complications. The above ankle tourniquet was a safe and effective means in providing a bloodless field for foot surgery in children, and provides a suitable alternative to the routine use of a thigh tourniquet in children.