Impact of a Special Waterproof Layer Under Tourniquet Cuffs on Postoperative Burn Incidence, Pain Intensity, and Operating Room Staff Satisfaction in Knee Arthroscopic Surgeries

Introduction: The use of multiple layers of Vibril under tourniquet cuffs is common. However, these layers can lead to complications. We designed a special waterproof curtain for use under tourniquet cuffs. Its effects on burns, postoperative pain, and operating room staff satisfaction were evaluated. Materials & Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 34 patients underwent arthroscopic surgery of the knee joint in the operating rooms of selected hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2022, using a simple random method based on the day. Even and odd days were divided into two groups: Group A (even days: special tourniquet drape: 17 people) and Group B (odd days: usual layers under the tourniquet cuff: 17 people). The degree of pain was evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS), the severity of burns was evaluated based on a rating from one to four, and the satisfaction of the operating room personnel was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire with 10 questions. Results: Pain intensity in the Group A, compared to the Group B, at all times was lower: immediately after entering recovery (2.29 ± 0.47 vs. 5.00 ± 0.71, P < 0.001), during the first eight hours (1.71 ± 0.47 vs. 3.94 ± 0.56, P < 0.001), the second eight hours (2.82 ± 0.73 vs. 5.12 ± 0.45, P < 0.001), and the third eight hours (1.65 ± 0.61 vs. 3.59 ± 0.62, P < 0.001). None of the participants in the Group A and only one participant (5.9%) in the Group B suffered burns, a difference that was not significant (P = 0.500). All operating room personnel (100%) reported a "high" level of satisfaction. Conclusion: It seems that the use of a special tourniquet in arthroscopic surgeries of the knee joint has a positive effect, considering the reduction of postoperative pain and the increase in the satisfaction of the operating room personnel.