Electromyographic changes in postmeniscectomy patients. Role of the pneumatic tourniquet.

Delayed rehabilitation in postmeniscectomy patients may be due to a slowly resolving axonal compression syndrome secondary to the use of the pneumatic tourniquet. Twenty-five patients who underwent meniscectomy were examined to determine whether the pneumatic tourniquet used during the procedure caused a neurological dificit detectable by electromyography (EMG). Of these, 18 had postsurgical EMG changes that eventually resolved. Analysis of the data suggests a relationship between the occurrence of EMG abnormalities, the duration of the tourniquet inflation during surgery, and patient's recovery time. Quadricep muscle weakness after knee surgery has generally been attributed to disuse atrophy. In an attempt to prevent this problem, patients participate in a quadriceps exercise program, if possible, before surgery, with continuation after surgery. The persistence of weakness has been believed to be secondary to inadequate exercise.