Effects of tourniquet compression on neuromuscular function

Neuromuscular function in New Zealand White rabbits was evaluated after thi gh tourniquet compression in the directly compressed quadriceps muscles and the distal tibialis anterior by measuring isometric contractile function a fter supramaximal stimulation of the motor nerve. Tourniquet compression re sulted in markedly decreased force production beneath and distal to the tou rniquet, Two days after compression, maximal quadriceps force production wa s decreased to 46% of control values with 125 mm Hg compression and 21% of control values after 350 mm Hg compression, Maximum tibialis anterior force production declined to 70% of control values after 125 mm Hg thigh compres sion and 24% of control values after 350 mm Hg thigh compression, Functiona l deficits were greater in the directly compressed quadriceps muscles, but the quadriceps and tibialis anterior had significantly increased impairment when the tourniquet inflation pressure was increased from 125 mm Hg to 350 mm Hg, Three weeks after compression, quadriceps function had returned to 94% of control value after 125 mm Hg compression and 83% after 350 mm Hg, T ibialis anterior function returned to 88% of control values after 125 mm Hg thigh compression and 83% after 350 mm Hg. Clinically, the use of lower in flation pressures may minimize the complications of tourniquet use and enha nce postoperative recovery.