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An animal model for the study of neuromuscular injury induced beneath and distal to a pneumatic tourniquet
Author(s) -
Pedowitz Robert A.,
Rydevik Bjorn L.,
Gershuni David H.,
Hargens Alan R.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1002/jor.1100080616
Subject(s) - tourniquet , medicine , anesthesia , physical medicine and rehabilitation
A well‐controlled animal model is presented for the study of neuromuscular injury induced by a pneumatic tourniquet. This model comprises a curved tourniquet surrounded by a stiff exterior shell, both of which were specifically designed to fit the conical and oblong shape of the rabbit hindlimb. Computed tomographic imaging was used to assess transverse tissue displacement induced by tourniquet compression. The curved tourniquet/shell configuration occluded the distal arterial blood flow to the extremity at a significantly lower cuff inflation pressure than a straight tourniquet of equal width. The magnitude and distribution of tissue pressures in the subcutaneous and deep tissues beneath the tourniquet were similar to those recorded in previous human cadaver studies of tourniquet compression. This animal model will facilitate the quantitation and analysis of tissue injury induced beneath and distal to a pneumatic tourniquet. Such data can help define the critical pressure and time limits for the safe use of pneumatic tourniquets in extremity surgery.