The effect of using a tourniquet on the intensity of postoperative pain in forearm fractures A randomized study in 32 surgically treated patients

 We have analysed the relationship between the intensity of postoperative pain and the use of a pneumatic tourniquet in procedures for operative fixation of fractures of the forearm. Thirty-two patients were divided randomly into two groups as a control (NT) and tourniquet (T).The pain scores in the NT group were significantly lower. Patients over the age of 30 had notably more pain than those younger after the use of a tourniquet. Avoidance of the tourniquet gave better postoperative analgesia in male patients and in those with comminuted fractures. When a tourniquet was used the best results were obtained if it was kept inflated for less than one hour.