Periarticular Injection of Tranexamic Acid Reduces Blood Loss and the Necessity for Allogeneic Transfusion After Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Autologous Transfusion: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background

This study aimed to examine the influence of a periarticular injection of tranexamic acid (TXA) on blood loss after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients who received an autologous blood transfusion.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 82 patients (88 consecutive knees) who underwent a primary unilateral TKA with or without a periarticular TXA injection (TXA and control groups, respectively). All patients underwent an autologous blood transfusion. Perioperative parameters related to blood loss were compared between groups.

Results

Compared to the control group, the decrease in hemoglobin was significantly smaller in the TXA group (1.5 ± 1.2 vs 2.5 ± 1.4 g/dL, P < .001), and blood drainage was significantly lower in the TXA group (387.2 ± 215.7 vs 582.3 ± 272.9 mL, P = .002). Moreover, the estimated blood loss, based on either hemoglobin or hematocrit, was significantly lower in the TXA group (509.8 ± 405.2 and 530.7 ± 418.5 mL, respectively) than in the control group (814.2 ± 543.8 and 809.1 ± 469.6 mL, respectively, both P < .001). No severe complications, including a venous thromboembolic event or infection, or local complications, including skin necrosis or delayed wound healing, were observed in either group. A postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion was performed in 2 cases in the control group and none in the TXA group.

Conclusion

Periarticular TXA injection is effective in reducing postoperative blood loss and hemoglobin and hematocrit drops without increasing the risk of venous thrombosis or the necessity of an allogeneic blood transfusion.