Outcomes Following Tourniquet and Non-Tourniquet Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty
Outcomes Following Tourniquet and Non-Tourniquet Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty
The overall goal of this study is to determine the effects of intraoperative tourniquet use
 during total knee arthroplasty (TKA), compared to TKA without the use of a tourniquet
 (NOTQT), for strength and functional recovery following simultaneous bilateral TKA. During
 the procedure, each patient will receive tourniquet-assisted TKA (TQT) on one lower extremity
 while the contralateral lower extremity undergoes TKA without the use of a tourniquet
 (NOTQT), except for briefly during component cementation. Tourniquets are commonly used in
 TKA to improve visualization of the surgical field and limit blood loss. However, studies
 suggest that tourniquet use may be associated with higher rates of medical complications and
 poor functional outcomes, including increased swelling, decreased muscle strength and altered
 neuromuscular activity. We will measure strength, voluntary muscle activation, and other
 functional outcomes for each lower extremity at 4 time points (preop; inpatient (24-72 hrs
 after surgery); 3 weeks; and 3 months following TKA). We hypothesize that lower extremities
 in the NOTQT group will demonstrate improved strength and performance when compared to lower
 extremities in the TQT group.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  undergoing primary, simultaneous bilateral knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  no neurological, vascular or cardiac problems that limit function or any unstable
 orthopaedic conditions that limit functional performance