Tourniquet time--how long?
Tourniquet pressure rather than prolonged ischaemia is the main factor responsible for nerve palsies. It is essential to check the accuracy of the gauge of a pneumatic tourniquet against a mercury manometer regularly, as the commonest cause of a tourniquet paralysis is a faulty gauge. With regard to ischaemia three hours should be regarded as the upper limit of safety.
D005121:Extremities / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia; D009132:Muscles / Q000473:pathology; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D011312:Pressure; D013997:Time Factors; D014111:Tourniquets / Q000009:adverse effects*