Can tranexamic acid change preoperative anemia management during total joint arthroplasty?

AIM: To investigate the postoperative transfusion and complication rates of anemic and nonanemic total joint arthroplasty patients given tranexamic acid (TXA).METHODS: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted of primary hip and knee arthroplasty cases performed from 11/2012 to 6/2014. Exclusion criteria included revision arthroplasty, bilateral arthroplasty, acute arthroplasty after fracture, and contraindication to TXA. Patients were screened prior to surgery, with anemia was defined as hemoglobin of less than 12 g/dL for females and of less than 13 g/dL for males. Patients were divided into four different groups, based on the type of arthroplasty (total hip or total knee) and hemoglobin status (anemic or nonanemic). Intraoperatively, all patients received 2 g of intravenous TXA during surgery. Postoperatively, allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) was directed by both clinical symptoms and relative hemoglobin change. Complications were recorded within the first two weeks after surgery and included thromboembolism, infection, and wound breakdown. The differences in transfusion and complication rates, as well as the relative hemoglobin change, were compared between anemic and nonanemic groups.RESULTS: A total of 232 patients undergoing primary joint arthroplasty were included in the study. For the total hip arthroplasty cohort, 21% (18/84) of patients presented with preoperative anemia. Two patients in the anemic group and two patients in the nonanemic group needed ABTs; this was not significantly different (P = 0.20). One patient in the anemic group presented with a deep venous thromboembolism while no patients in the nonanemic group had an acute complication; this was not significantly different (P = 0.21). For nonanemic patients, the average change in hemoglobin was 2.73 ± 1.17 g/dL. For anemic patients, the average change in hemoglobin was 2.28 ± 0.96 g/dL. Between the two groups, the hemoglobin difference of 0.45 g/dL was not significant (P = 0.13). For the total knee arthroplasty cohort, 18% (26/148) of patients presented with preoperative anemia. No patients in either group required a blood transfusion or had an acute postoperative complication. For nonanemic patients, the average change in hemoglobin was 1.85 ± 0.79 g/dL. For anemic patients, the average change in hemoglobin was 1.09 ± 0.58 g/dL. Between the two groups, the hemoglobin difference of 0.76 g/dL was significant (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: TXA administration results in low transfusion and complication rates and may be a useful adjunct for TJA patients with preoperative anemia.     

Analysis of transfusion predictors in shoulder arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: We are not aware of any previous study that has examined predictive factors for blood transfusion after shoulder arthroplasty. We analyzed the association between clinical factors and the need for postoperative blood transfusion and documented the use and waste of predonated blood in a group of patients managed with shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: A retrospective study of 119 patients who underwent 124 shoulder arthroplasties (including eighty-seven primary uncomplicated total shoulder arthroplasties, twenty-seven revision or complicated primary total shoulder arthroplasties, and ten hemiarthroplasties) from 2001 to 2004 was performed. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine which clinical variables were predictive of transfusion. RESULTS: A postoperative transfusion was received after thirty-one arthroplasties (25%). The strongest predictor of blood transfusion after shoulder arthroplasty was the preoperative hemoglobin level (likelihood ratio test = 37.8, p < 0.0001). Patients with a preoperative hemoglobin level of between 110 and 130 g/L had a five times greater estimated risk of transfusion than those with a level of >130 g/L (p < 0.001). Gender, body mass index, preoperative diagnosis, comorbid conditions, use of anticoagulants or aspirin, autologous predonation status, type of anesthesia, operative time, and decrease in hemoglobin or hematocrit were not predictors of blood transfusion. One hundred and two (78%) of the 131 predonated autologous units were discarded. Patients with a preoperative hemoglobin level of >130 g/L had the highest percentage of wasted units (90%; fifty-five of sixty-one). Preoperative autologous blood donation did not eliminate the risk of allogeneic blood transfusion in autologous donors. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative hemoglobin level is the strongest predictor of blood transfusion after shoulder surgery, and individuals with a preoperative hemoglobin level of <110 g/L have the highest risk of transfusion. On the basis of these findings, we do not recommend autologous predonation for individuals with a preoperative hemoglobin level of >130 g/L, to avoid unnecessary expense and waste.     

全膝关节置换术后不同引流方式的临床对比研究

目的 探讨人工全膝关节置换术后不同引流方式对临床疗效的影响.方法 将2010年10月至2012年11月55例接受单侧初次人工全膝关节置换患者分为三组:引流自体血回输组25例、延迟开放引流组12例、常规引流组18例.各组采用相同的手术技术和术后处理,比较术后总引流量(包括术中开放止血带止血时的出血量),异体血输血情况,术后第1、3、7天体温,手术前后血红蛋白值,肢体肿胀情况,伤口愈合质量和术后关节功能.结果 引流自体血回输组平均引流量为(799.2±196.7) ml,明显多于其他两组;延迟开放引流组平均引流量为(381.7±129.2) ml,明显少于常规引流组(666.1±155.0) ml.常规引流组术后第1天血红蛋白平均为(81.33±9.86) g/L,引流自体血回输组平均为(91.96±9.57)g/L和延迟开放引流组平均为(91.50±7.92) g/L,较常规引流组明显升高,差异有统计学意义;而引流自体血回输组与常规引流组的差异无统计学意义.常规引流组有8例患者(44.4％)术后接受异体血输注,明显多于引流自体血回输组(4例,16.0％)和延迟开放引流组(2例,16.7％),差异有统计学意义;引流自体血回输组与常规引流组的差异无统计学意义.引流自体血回输组术后第1、3、7天最高体温明显增高,与其他两组的差异有统计学意义.术后肢体肿胀、伤口愈合质量和术后关节功能三组的差异无统计学意义.结论 延迟开放引流可以减少术后显性失血,降低异体血输注率,与自体引流血回输相比,降低术后发热和额外费用,带来更大的临床收益,值得进一步探讨和应用.     

Three-hour interval drain clamping reduces postoperative bleeding in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Background

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure that has a risk of significant blood loss and blood transfusion, and carries a substantial risk for immunologic reactions and disease transmission. Drain clamping is a popular method that is applied to reduce blood loss after TKA. However, the clamping protocol remains controversial. Therefore, we established a new protocol, 3-h interval clamping, and compared the bleeding control efficacy of this protocol following TKA with the non-clamping technique.

Methods

Between March and July 2008, we enrolled 100 patients (100 knees) who underwent uncomplicated TKA using a minimally invasive surgical technique. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups based on the draining protocol: non-clamping (group A) and 3-h interval clamping (group B). For group A, a vacuum drain was connected to a container and was run continuously during the first postoperative day, whereas the vacuum was stopped twice (for ~3 h each time) for group B. Demographic characteristics and clinical data were collected, including the levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit, the total blood loss volume, the number of patients who required a blood transfusion, and any complications that developed. The perioperative data were compared between the two groups.

Results

The drainage blood volume in the interval-clamping group (group B) was significantly lower than that in the non-clamping group (group A) during the first 48 h following the procedure (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005 for first and second postoperative days, respectively). The mean fall in hemoglobin levels at 12 h in the interval-clamping group (2.8 ± 0.9 g/dL) was also lower than in the non-clamping group (3.2 ± 0.8 g/dL). In the 3-h interval clamping protocol, the number of patients requiring a transfusion was 2.2 times less than the number in the non-clamping protocol, but was not significantly different (odds ratio = 2.20, p = 0.24), and the significant predictor of blood transfusion was the preoperative hemoglobin level (odds ratio = 7.73, p < 0.001). No wound infection or clinical venous thromboembolisms were detected in our study.

Conclusion

The 3-h interval clamping is a newly developed protocol for reducing blood loss after TKA. The protocol lessens the decrease in postoperative hemoglobin levels. This protocol can be applied easily without increasing clinical thromboembolic events and wound complications.     

Efficacy of Multimodal Pain Control Protocol in the Setting of Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

This study evaluated the benefits and safety of a multimodal pain control protocol, which included a periarticular injection of local anesthetics, in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.

Methods

Between March 2006 and March 2007, 60 patients undergoing unilateral total hip arthroplasty were randomized to undergo either a multimodal pain control protocol or a conventional pain control protocol. The following parameters were compared: the preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scales (VAS), hospital stay, operative time, postoperative rehabilitation, additional painkiller consumption, and complication rates.

Results

There was no difference between the groups in terms of diagnosis, age, gender, and BMI. Although both groups had similar VAS scores in the preoperative period and on the fifth postoperative day, there was a significant difference between the groups over the four-day period after surgery. There were no differences in the hospital stay, operative time, additional painkiller consumption, or complication rate between the groups. The average time for comfortable crutch ambulation was 2.8 days in the multimodal pain control protocol group and 5.3 days in the control group.

Conclusions

The multimodal pain control protocol can significantly reduce the level of postoperative pain and improve patients'' satisfaction, with no apparent risks, after total hip arthroplasty.     

Closed suction drainages in Lower Limb Joint Arthroplasty: A level I evidence based meta-analysis

IntroductionThe role of closed suction drainage during elective total joint arthroplasty is still unclear. The present study compared the use of closed suction drains to no drainage for elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and in total hip arthroplasty (THA) through a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs).MethodsFollowing the PRISMA guidelines, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials identified in December 2021. All randomized clinical trials comparing the use of closed suction drains to no drainage for elective THA or TKA were considered.ResultsTwenty-five RCTs were included in the final analysis. 49% (1722 of 3505) of patients received no-drainage, and 51% (1783 of 3505) received closed suction drainage. There was no evidence of a statistically significant evidence between the two groups in occurrence of postoperative infections (P = 0.4), mean total postoperative hemoglobin (P = 0.2) or length of hospital stay (P = 0.1). The no-drainage group showed a lower rate of blood transfusion (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThere is no evidence to support the routine use of closed suction drainage in THA or TKA patients.Level of evidenceLevel I, meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.     

Use of recombinant human erythropoietin in two-stage total knee arthroplasty for infection.

A multicenter prospective study was conducted to determine whether epoetin alfa could be used to lower transfusion requirements after two-stage exchange arthroplasty for infection. Forty-one consecutive patients undergoing successful two-stage exchange arthroplasty for an infected total knee arthroplasty were enrolled in a prospective study. Epoetin alfa (40,000 units) was administered subcutaneously after prosthesis resection and antibiotic spacer placement. Although there was no difference in the hemoglobin levels before resection arthroplasty or on postoperative Day 3 between the study group and the control group, hemoglobin levels before reimplantation were higher in the patients who received epoetin alfa (12.4 mg/dL; range, 9.3-15.1 mg/dL) compared with the control group (11.3 mg/dL; range, 8.1-14.4 mg/dL). Average increase in hemoglobin level in the interval between stages was higher in the treatment group (3.2 mg/dL; range, -0.7-6.8 mg/dL) than the control group (1.7 mg/dL; range, -1.9-6 mg/dL). The transfusion rate decreased from 83% of patients in the control group to 34% in the study group during reimplantation. In addition, overall incidence of transfusion for either stage improved from 89% in the control group to 44% in the patients treated with epoetin alfa. Perioperative epoetin alfa statistically increased the hemoglobin levels and decreased transfusion rates for patients undergoing two-stage revision for infected total knee arthroplasty.     

Effect of postoperative reinfusion systems on hemoglobin levels in primary total hip and total knee arthroplasties: A prospective randomized study

A prospective randomized study was undertaken to quantify the effect of reinfusion of postoperative shed blood drainage on the hemoglobin levels in patients undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). One hundred eleven patients were enrolled between December 1990 and August 1991. There were 42 THAs and 69 TKAs. The study group consisted of 57 patients (35 TKAs and 22 THAs) who received a CBC ConstaVac (Stryker Surgical, Kalamazoo, MI) reinfusion system. The control group consisted of 54 patients (34 TKAs and 20 THAs) who received a ConstaVac collection unit. Postoperative drainage volumes were recorded for both groups. In addition, the volume of reinfused blood was recorded for the study group. Postoperative hemoglobins were recorded on postoperative days 1, 3, and 6, the latter reflecting the discharge hemoglobin level. All patients were encouraged to predeposit two units of autologous blood for both THAs and TKAs. This study showed no statistically significant difference in the postoperative hemoglobin levels between the study and control groups at anytime. Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference between hemoglobin levels and drainage volumes in both the THA and TKA study groups, compared to their respective control groups. The results of this study suggest that reinfusion units are not necessary in THAs and TKAs as a matter of routine use.     

Multimodal analgesia without parenteral narcotics for total knee arthroplasty

Use of parenteral narcotics after total knee arthroplasty is considered by most orthopedic surgeons to be the standard of care. This study tested the hypothesis that a multimodal oral pain medication protocol could control pain and minimize complications of parenteral narcotics. Postoperative oral analgesia was augmented with either continuous epidural infusion or continuous femoral infusion using ropivacaine only. Seventy patients had total knee arthroplasty with a protocol that included preemptive oral analgesics, epidural anesthesia, pericapsular analgesic injection, and postoperative analgesia without parenteral opioids. The average daily pain score was less than 4 out of 10, nausea occurred in 15 patients (21%), emesis in 1 patient (1.4%), and there were no severe complications. This study proved the hypothesis that pain after total knee arthroplasty could be effectively managed without routine use of parenteral opioids.     

Blood cultures for assessment of postoperative fever in arthroplasty patients

Postoperative fever in arthroplasty patients is common. The value of diagnostic workup of fever in this instance is of questionable utility. Studies have shown that blood cultures in this scenario add little to clinical management, but sample sizes have been small and the use of blood cultures in this setting continues. This study aimed to examine the value of blood cultures in the assessment of postoperative fever in a large arthroplasty population. The medical records of 101 patients who had 141 blood culture sets taken during a 2-year period were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 141 blood culture sets, only 2 returned positive results. These were both thought to be as a result of skin contamination at the time of venipuncture. No infectious sequelae occurred in either patient. We conclude that blood cultures have no role to play in the assessment of the febrile, otherwise asymptomatic arthroplasty patient in the early postoperative period.     

Rationalizing routine postoperative blood testing following elective shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundImprovements in perioperative care have decreased complication rates following arthroplasty surgery and enabled outpatient surgery. Although studies have suggested selective routine postoperative blood tests for lower limb arthroplasty, there is currently a paucity of research into its utility for shoulder arthroplasty. Our aim was to define an algorithm based on Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) value as part of a predictive algorithm to identify low-risk patients undergoing elective anatomic and reverse shoulder arthroplasty that can safely do without routine postoperative blood tests.MethodsElectronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent elective primary shoulder arthroplasty at our institution, both anatomic and reverse, between January 2009 and October 2020. Inclusion criteria included patients who underwent reverse or anatomic shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis or rotator cuff arthropathy and had documented preoperative and postoperative blood tests including full blood count and serum electrolytes. Exclusion criteria included patients who had revision and trauma indications for surgery because of the increased complication rates associated with these indications. Variables recorded included age, gender, body mass index, indication for surgery, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, CCI score, preoperative blood test values from preadmission assessment, postoperative day one blood test values, and interventions required based on blood results.ResultsA total of 140 patients were included in the study. Eighteen patients (12.85%) required intervention based on postoperative blood tests, the most common indications being anemia and hyponatremia. Patients that required intervention had higher CCI (P = .001) and lower preoperative hemoglobin (P = .014). With the application of cutoff values of hemoglobin of ≥106 g/L, and CCI score of less than 4, only one patient in our study required intervention.ConclusionRoutine postoperative blood test following primary elective shoulder arthroplasty is not required in low-risk patients, defined as those with a CCI score of <4 and a preoperative hemoglobin of >106 g/L.     

SuperPATH微创人工全髋关节置换的早期疗效及临床应用价值

目的探讨SuperPATH微创人工全髋关节置换术的早期疗效及临床应用价值。方法采集2016年5月至2017年6月间我院收治的60例(35例股骨头坏死,25例股骨颈骨折)需行人工全髋关节置换术患者相关资料,30例行SuperPATH经皮辅助入路纳入实验组,其中男20例,女10例,股骨头坏死16例,股骨颈骨折14例,平均年龄为(71.2±3.1)岁;30例行常规后外侧入路纳入对照组,其中男15例,女15例,股骨头坏死19例,股骨颈骨折11例,平均年龄为(71.2±3.2)岁。观察两组手术切口长度、手术时间、术中出血量、术后引流量、手术前后血红蛋白变化及术后1周、1个月、3个月、6个月疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)和Harris评分。结果实验组的手术切口长度、术中失血量、术后引流量、手术前后血红蛋白变化均较对照组少,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),实验组手术时间较对照组长,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后1周、1个月随访时两组VAS评分、Harris评分比较,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后3个月随访时两组VAS评分比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),两组Harris评分比较,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);术后6个月随访时两组VAS评分、Harris评分比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论SuperPATH入路微创人工全髋关节置换术治疗股骨头坏死和股骨颈骨折较传统后外侧入路全髋关节置换术具有软组织损伤小、出血少,术后恢复快、近期疗效较好等优点,患者满意度高,可实现术后快速康复。     

Epsilon Aminocaproic Acid to Reduce Blood Loss and Transfusion After Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

Total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) are associated with significant blood loss and some patients require postoperative blood transfusion. While tranexamic acid has been studied extensively among this population, we tested the hypothesis that epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) can reduce blood loss and transfusion after joint arthroplasty.

全膝关节置换的后稳定型假体和保留后交叉韧带疗效比较

目的比较后交叉韧带保留型假体和后稳定型假体在人工全膝关节置换术后早期的临床疗效。 方法选择自2017年1月至2017年6月在上海长海医院接受人工全膝关节置换术的患者，排除患肢有外伤史和手术史的患者，最终纳入74位患者，其中后交叉韧带保留(CR)组35例，后稳定型假体(PS)组39例。分别记录CR组和PS组患者的手术时间、术后引流量、术后3 d血红蛋白浓度，以及术后2周、1年、3年的膝关节活动度(ROM)、最大屈曲角度、西安大略和麦克马斯特大学(WOMAC)评分和美国特种外科医院(HSS)评分。ROM、最大屈曲、HSS、WOMAC在各时间点的比较采用重复测量的方差分析，两组间比较采用独立样本t检验，计数资料组间比较采用卡方检验。 结果CR组的术后引流量明显小于PS组(t＝-16.68，P<0.001)，且术后3 d血红蛋白浓度也明显高于PS组(t＝6.95，P<0.001)。术后2周、1年和3年的随访数据中，CR组的膝关节ROM和最大屈曲度均显著大于PS组，其中术后3年ROM(F＝10.358, P<0.001)，最大屈曲度(F＝10.358, P<0.001)。 结论CR假体和PS假体都可以显著改善患者的膝关节功能，均可作为初次膝关节置换的假体选择。但是在术后早期，CR假体失血量更少，更利于患者术后早期康复。同时与PS假体相比，CR假体在术后早期可能会拥有更好的膝关节活动度和屈曲度。     

Blood loss management in high-risk patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a comparison of two techniques

Although it is well known that patients with preoperative hemoglobin levels <13.0 g/dL are at a higher risk for requiring postoperative transfusions, the ideal blood management strategy for this group of patients remains unclear. This study compared preoperative autologous donation with preoperative administration of epoetin alfa as a method to maximize perioperative hemoglobin levels and minimize blood transfusions in these high-risk patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Results show that both preoperative autologous donation and epoetin alfa were successful in decreasing the need for allogeneic blood transfusions following TKA in high-risk patients. Epoetin alfa was more effective in maximizing perioperative hemoglobin levels.     

The effects of preoperative autologous donations on perioperative blood levels

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the blood levels of patients preparing for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) who were enrolled in a preoperative autologous donation program. The charts and hospital records of 70 consecutive patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA between 2000 and 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. Study participants were instructed to donate one unit of blood approximately 4 weeks prior to surgery. Predonation and preoperative hemoglobin levels were assessed throughout the study and transfusion requirements were recorded. Transfusions were administered only when warranted by clinical symptoms. The mean initial (predonation) hemoglobin concentration was 14.1 g/dL. The mean number of days donations were made prior to surgery was 13 +/- 3.3 days. Prior to surgery, the average hemoglobin concentration dropped to 12.8 g/dL. Fifty (71%) patients had a hemoglobin value > 13.0 g/dL prior to their autologous donation, but only 30 (43%) patients had blood levels > or = 13.0 g/dL following blood donation. Postoperatively, the mean hemoglobin concentration in the recovery room was 11.6 g/dL and dropped to a nadir of 10.8 g/dL on postoperative day 3. Overall, 91% of patients required autologous blood transfusion following TKA but no patients required allogeneic blood transfusions. Preoperative autologous donation was associated with a decrease in preoperative hemoglobin levels and with a high rate of autologous transfusion based on clinical symptoms of postoperative anemia.     

Intraoperative red blood-cell salvage in revision hip surgery. A case-matched study

BACKGROUND: Revision hip arthroplasty is commonly associated with substantial blood loss and the subsequent need for transfusion. This leads to an increased risk of blood-borne infection and hemolytic reactions. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate whether the use of intraoperative red blood-cell salvage in revision hip arthroplasty reduces the overall rate of allogeneic transfusion. METHODS: Forty-seven patients who had undergone revision hip arthroplasty with the use of intraoperative cell salvage were identified. A computer database was used to individually match these patients, for age, sex, and eleven operative variables, to control patients who had undergone revision hip arthroplasty in the same unit without intraoperative cell salvage. Data gathered included the total allogeneic transfusion requirement for each patient, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels, and operative time. RESULTS: The total allogeneic transfusion requirement was significantly lower in the group that had intraoperative cell salvage than in the control group (median, 2 compared with 6 U of packed red blood cells, p = 0.0006), with a median reduction in allogeneic transfusion of 4 U. There was no significant difference in preoperative or postoperative hemoglobin levels between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of intraoperative cell salvage significantly lowered the allogeneic transfusion requirement, which can lead to substantial cost savings. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which the use of intraoperative red blood-cell salvage in revision hip arthroplasty was evaluated by matching patients on the basis of age, sex, and operative variables.     

Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty is safe and effective for patients in different ages

BackgroundSimultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty is considered beneficial for patients with bilateral end-stage knee osteoarthritis, even though there could be potential postoperative complications. Presently, there is a paucity of evidence of the efficacy and safety of SB-TKA for elderly patients. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty by different age groups.MethodsA total of 216 knees of 108 patients, who underwent simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis at our hospital between April 2015 and September 2018, were divided into three groups based on age: 60s (44 knees), 70s (106 knees), and 80s (66 knees). Perioperative data and postoperative clinical outcomes 1 year after surgery were compared between the age groups.ResultsThe patients in the Group 60s were characterized by a higher body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.01), a lower pre-operative knee function score (P < 0.01), longer operation time (P < 0.01), greater intra-operative (P < 0.01), and postoperative bleeding (P = 0.026). No significant difference was found in terms of occurrence of various postoperative complications, although deep vein thrombosis and delirium occurred slightly more frequently in the Group 70s and the Group 80s than in the Group 60s group. The Knee Society Knee Score, a function score, and patient satisfaction scores were significantly improved in all groups 1 year after surgery. Moreover, these indexes of clinical outcomes were similar among the three groups.ConclusionPerforming simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty in 80s patients was found to be as safe and effective as in the 60s and 70s patients.Level of evidence3 (A retrospective cohort study).     

An evaluation of the efficacy of postoperative blood salvage after total joint arthroplasty. A prospective randomized trial

The efficacy of a postoperative blood salvage system was assessed in 239 consecutive patients undergoing total knee or total hip arthroplasty. Patients were randomly allocated to either a control group using a standard drainage system or to the study group using the Solcotrans blood salvage canister. The median amount of homologous blood required after operation by the study group was reduced by 74% from the amount required by the control group (mean, 67 ml vs 256 ml, respectively; P less than .0001). Thirteen percent (13%) of the study group required postoperative homologous blood transfusions, as compared to 39% of the control group (P less than .0001). Additionally, patients in the study group had higher hemoglobin levels beginning on the first postoperative day. This study indicates that a postoperative blood salvage system safely and effectively reduces the amount of homologous blood required and sustains higher hemoglobin levels after operation.     

Effect on blood loss and cost-effectiveness of pain cocktails, platelet-rich plasma, or fibrin sealant after total knee arthroplasty

This study evaluated the effect of periarticular pain cocktail, platelet-rich plasma, or fibrin sealant injections on blood loss, transfusion rate, and hospital costs after total knee arthroplasty. A retrospective review of 400 patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty with one of the different periarticular treatments as stated above was performed. Postoperative blood loss, hemoglobin levels, allogenic blood transfusion rates, and per-case hospital injection cost were reported. Although platelet-rich plasma and fibrin sealant decreased blood loss compared with the control group (P < .001), there was no significant difference in blood loss in the pain-cocktail group or in postoperative hemoglobin levels or transfusion rates between all groups. Significant efficacy and cost-effectiveness for these modalities could not be identified and have, therefore, been discontinued at our practice. Level of evidence: level III.