Aqueous based Povidone-iodine related chemical burn under the tourniquet (a case report) and literature review.

Chemical burn under pneumatic tourniquet is an iatrogenic preventable injury and is rarely reported in the literature. The important mechanisms are maceration, irritation, and prolonged use of the tourniquet and pressure. This rare adverse complication occurred in a 35-year old man who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of left knee. 5% aqueous based Povidone-Iodine was used as topical antiseptic and partial thickness burn occurred underneath the area of tourniquet application. Previous reports shows that chemical burns are more common in alcohol based Povidone-iodine than aqueous based. Chemical burn develops when Povidone- iodine does not adequately dry, pools beneath a dependent body part during surgery, or is placed under an occlusive device. To reduce the complications like chemical burn, awareness of the risk and the possible pathogenesis as well as the preventive measures is important in surgical practice.