The purpose of this prospective randomized study was to compare the visible, hidden, total blood loss and postoperative haemodynamic change of subcutaneous and intra-articular indwelling closed suction drainage method after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients with primary osteoarthritis, who underwent unilateral TKA were enrolled; Group A with subcutaneous (n=78) and group B with intra-articular (n=79) indwelling closed suction drainage method. Total blood loss, visible blood loss, internal blood loss, postop (day 1), 5. th. , 10. th. day hemoglobin, hematocrit levels were compared. Allogenic blood transfusion rate and complications related to soft tissue hematoma formation were additionally compared. Subcutaneous indwelling closed suction drainage method reduced both the visible blood loss and total blood loss (hemovac drainage + internal blood loss) thus decreasing the rate of allogenic transfusion. Although the minor complications such as the incidence of bullae formation and the ecchymosis were higher in the subcutaneous indwelling group, the functional outcome at postoperative 2 year did not demonstrate difference from intra-articular drainage group

Purpose. We compared visible blood loss and calculated blood loss after bipolar hemiarthroplasty in femoral neck fracture, and evaluated correlation between blood loss and its risk factors. Materials and Methods: A total of 356 patients who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty in femoral neck fracture between 2004 and 2010 were enrolled in this study. The total blood loss was calculated using the formula reported by Mercuiali and Brecher. We analyzed several factors, including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), anesthesia method, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, preoperative anemia, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, use of cement, and use of antithrombotic agents. Results: Total calculated blood loss (1,408±72 ml) differed significantly from visible blood loss(980±102 ml). In addition, calculated blood loss differed between risk factors (1,526±369 ml in cardiovascular disease, 1,588±279 ml in general anesthesia, 1,645±920 ml in obesity, and 1,605±439 ml in use of antithrombotic agents). Conclusion: Total calculated blood loss was much greater than visible blood loss. Patients with risk factors such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, use of antithrombotic agents, and general anesthesia should be treated with care in order to reduce blood loss

Objective. The optimal dosage and timing of tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty (THA) still is undetermined. Previous studies showed the hyper-fibrinolysis would last for 18 hours after surgery. The study aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of multiple bolus of intravenous TXA on hidden blood loss and inflammation response following primary THA. Methods. 150 patients were randomly divided into three groups to receive single bolus of 20 mg/kg IV-TXA before skin incision (Group A), or another bolus of 1 g IV-TXA 3 hours later (Group B), or another two boluses of 1g IV-TXA 3 hours and 6 hours later (Group C). All patients received a standard perioperative enhanced recovery protocol. The primary outcomes was hidden blood loss. Other outcome measurements such as hemoglobin level, total blood loss, transfusion rate, inflammation markers (CRP, IL-6), VAS pain score, length of hospital stay (LOH) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) were also compared. Results. The hidden blood loss in group C was 402.13 ± 225.97 ml, which was less than that in group A (679.28±277.16 ml, p< 0.001) and group B (560.62±295.22 ml, p= 0.010). However, such difference was not detected between group A and B (p= 0.072). The mean value of total blood loss in group A, B and C were 1090.78±251.41, 979.42±247.89, 768.71±180.19 ml, respectively, with a significant intergroup difference (p <0.001). The Hb drop on postoperative day (POD) 3 in group A, B and C was 30.82±6.31, 27.16±6.83, 21.98±3.72 g/L, and the difference between groups was significant (p <0.001). Only one patients received red blood cell transfusion. The mean level of CRP in group C was lower than that in group A and B on POD 2 (p= 0.000, p= 0.034), POD 3 (p= 0.000, p= 0.014). The serum level of IL-6 in group C was lower than group A on POD 1, POD 2 and POD 3 (p=0.017, p=0.023, p= 0.005; respectively). The patients in group C had slightly less postoperative pain. The LOH in group C was shorter than those in group A (p= 0.023). No episodes of VTE or other adverse events occurred in any patient. Conclusion. Multiple boluses of IV-TXA can effectively reduce hidden blood loss following primary THA. What is the most important is that, by adding another boluses of IV-TXA, patients can gain a smaller decline of Hb, less postoperative inflammation response, less pain and shorter length of hospital stay

Objective. The efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) on reducing blood loss and transfusion has been confirmed in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The main methods of administration includes intravenous, topical alone or combined use, and the most appropriated methods remains undecided. This study was aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of different methods of TXA following primary THA. Methods. We prospectively collected patients' data through National Health Database from January 2013 to December 2016. The patients were divided into control group, intravenous group, topical group and combined group according to the different methods of TXA. The primary outcome was the incidence of transfusion and venous thromboembolism. Secondary outcomes were total blood loss, hemoglobin level on postoperative day 3 and decrease in hemoglobin, incidence of wound complications and other adverse events. Results. A total of 7537 primary THA procedures were collected, 4102 with TXA, 3435 without TXA. 2847 (37.8%) patients received intravenous TXA alone, 235 (3.1%) patients received topical TXA alone and 1020 (13.5%) patients received combined use. The transfusion rate decreased from 33.07% to 12.7% with the use of TXA (p< 0.001). The transfusion rate was 30.21% in topical group, 10.68% in intravenous group, and 14.31% in combined group, with a significant difference between treatment groups (p< 0.01 for all). The hemoglobin on postoperative day 3 in control group was 91.24±17.09 g/L, which was significantly lower than that in topical group (101.38±16.71 g/L), intravenous group (102.79±32.37 g/L) and combined group (104.34±16.67 g/L, p<0.05 for all). The hemoglobin drop on POD 3 in control group was 38.07±18.10 g/L, which was significantly higher than that in topical group (30.02±17.11 g/L), intravenous group (29.35±16.05 g/L) and combined group (29.22±16.37 g/L, p<0.05 for all). The total blood loss in control group was (1377.74 ± 851.97 ml), which was significantly higher than that in topical group (1123.15±628.59 ml), intravenous group (971.08±671.39 ml) and combined group (946.4±724.82 ml, p<0.05 for all). A total of 14 DVT (0.41%) in control group, 4 patients (0.1%) in TXA group occurred DVT, and the difference was significant (0.10%, p= 0.006). Cardiac infarction occurred in 3 patients (0.04%), stroke occurred in 2 patients (0.03%), and 3 patients (0.04%) developed wound infection. No episode of PE or death occurred. Conclusion. TXA was effective and safe to decrease blood loss and transfusion following primary THA no matter of intravenous, topical use alone or combined use. In order to achieve better hemostatic effect, intravenous or combined application was recommended if no contradictions were found

Purpose. This meta-analysis was designed to compare the effectiveness and safety of intravenous (IV) versus topical administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by evaluating the need for allogenic blood transfusion, incidence of postoperative complications, volume of postoperative blood loss, and change in hemoglobin levels. Materials and Methods. Studies were included in this meta-analysis if they assessed the allogenic blood transfusion rate, postoperative complications including pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), volume of postoperative blood loss via drainage, estimated blood loss, total blood loss, and change in hemoglobin before and after surgery in primary TKA with TXA administered through both the intravenous (IV) and topical routes.[Fig. 1]. Results. Ten studies were included in this meta-analysis.[Fig. 2] The proportion of patients requiring allogenic blood transfusion (OR 1.34, 95% CI: 0.63 to 2.81; P=0.45) [Fig. 3] and the proportion of patients who developed postoperative complications including PTE or DVT (OR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.41 to 1.77; P=0.66) did not significantly differ between the two groups. There was 52.3 mL less blood loss via drainage (95% CI: −50.74 to 185.66 ml; P=0.44),[Fig. 4] 21.5 mL greater estimated blood loss (95% CI: −98.05 to 55.12 ml; P=0.32), and 51.4 mL greater total blood loss (95% CI: −208.16 to 105.31 ml; P=0.52) [Fig. 5]in the topical TXA group as compared to the IV TXA group. The two groups were also similar in terms of the change in hemoglobin levels (0.02 g/dl, 95% CI: −0.36 to 0.39 g/dl; P=0.94). Conclusion. In primary TKA, there are no significant differences in the transfusion requirement, postoperative complications, blood loss, and change in hemoglobin levels between the intravenous and topical administration of TXA. For figures/tables, please contact authors directly.

Introduction. The use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is supported by many studies that confirm its efficacy for decreasing blood loss, but the comparison between topical intra-articular (IA) and intra-venous (IV) is unclear, especially combined with chemical prophylaxis. The purpose of this study is to verify non-inferior efficacy of topical IA TXA compared with IV TXA in primary THA. Methods & Methods. A single center, randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed to compare topical IA TXA (2 g of TXA in 100 cc of normal saline) with two IV doses of TXA (1 g dose before surgery and another 1 g dose 3 hours later) on blood loss. The primary outcome was total blood loss as calculated from the difference between the preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) and the lowest postoperative Hb. The secondary outcome included drained blood loss, transfusion volume, and thromboembolic events. The sample size of 112 patients was calculated to give a statistical power of 99% for demonstrating inferiority. Fifty-six patients each was assigned to receive topical IA TXA (IA group) and IV TXA (IV group). There were no significant differences in demographics and preoperative laboratory values between the two groups. Non-inferiority was estimated by comparing the confidence interval with a delta of 10%. All subjects took oral direct factor Xa inhibitor to prevent venous thromboembolism included during 2 weeks after surgery. Results. The total blood loss was 875.0 mL (range, 199.7 – 2149.2 mL) in topical IA group and 1070.2 mL (range, 389.5 – 2738.8 mL) and thus, non-inferiority was demonstrated for the primary efficacy end point (p<0.001). Drained blood loss also show a significant difference (370.1 ± 77.4 versus 539.9 ± 180 mL, p=0.037). The number of patients given transfusion was 9 (16.1%) and 19 (33.9%) in IV group (p=0.029) and the number of transfusion units was 0.2 (range, 0 – 2) in topical IA group and 0.5 (range 0 – 3) in IV group (p=0.027). No significant difference was seen in thromboembolic events between groups. Conclusions. Topical IA administration of TXA demonstrated non-inferiority compared with IV TXA. Our findings support the topical IA use of TXA in primary THA

Purpose. The purposes of this study are as follows; 1) to compare postoperative blood loss between general anesthesia(GA) and spinal anesthesia(SA) and 2) to analyze the affecting factors of postoperative blood loss through the subgroup analysis. METHODS. A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 122 patients with osteoarthritis undergoing primary TKA between January 2012 and December 2013. According to different anesthetic method, the patients were divided into the General Anesthesia group (73 cases) and the Spinal Anesthesia group (49 cases). Each group was divided subgroup as age, BMI, Preoperative blood pressure, Surgery time, Torniquet time, INR. The total blood loss, Post Operation 1 day blood loss, hidden blood loss, and the percentage of hidden blood loss were compared between 2 groups. For the analysis of postoperative blood loss, each group was compared postoperative blood loss using hemovac drainage per day and total blood loss. In preoperative blood pressure, Higher than 140 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and higher than 90 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure were employed as a cut-off value to group the well-controlled hypertension group(n=42) and uncontrolled hypertension group(n=29). RESULTS. One day after the surgery blood loss(p=0.322) and total blood loss(p=0.560) showed no significant differences between two group. But in the uncontrolled hypertension group showed a large amount of bleeding one day after the surgery(p=0.003) and total blood loss(p=0.004) in the spinal anesthesia. CONCLUSION. It seems that, general anesthesia is effective method to reduce postoperative blood loss. Preoperative blood pressure control is one of the important affecting factor of postoperative blood loss

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of post-operative pain management using the intra-operative peri-articular injection(PAI) and/or electromyography (EMG)-guided preoperative femoral nerve block (FNB) in total knee arthroplasty(TKA). Materials and Methods. From March 2013 to February 2014, 90 knees which underwent primary TKA by one surgeon were included in our study. The patients were classified into three groups; a single injection FNB with an EMG guide (Group I, 30 knees), intra-operative PAI (Group II, 30 knees) and both FNB and PAI (Group III, 30 knees). Pain at rest and moving was evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at postoperative 0, 4, 8, 24 and 48 hours. Postoperative range of motion, time to walking, total blood loss, amount of opioid consumption and complications were compared in each group. Results. VAS immediately after surgery was 67.9 in group I, 54.6 in group II and 54.7 in group III. VAS was significantly higher in group I than group II and III (p=0.005), but was not significantly different between group II and III (p>0.05). VAS at postoperative 4 and 8hr showed similar results. VAS at postoperative 24 hr was 49.6 in group I, 56.4 in group II and 46.7 in group III, which was significantly higher in group II than group I and III (p=0.043). After postoperative 48hr, there were no differences in group I, II and III. The total amount of opioid consumption in group III was smaller than that in group I and II (p=0.017). There were no differences in postoperative range of motion, time to walking and total blood loss. There was one case with temporary peroneal nerve palsy in group II and no infection in all cases. Conclusion. PAI was more effective than FNB for early (0∼8hr) postoperative period after TKA. However, PAI showed rebound pain at 24hr after TKA. PAI in combination with FNB could enhance the effect of postoperative pain management from immediate postoperative period to 24hr

For as long as surgeons have been performing total and partial knee arthroplasty, surgeons have debated the efficacy, safety, and requirement of a pneumatic tourniquet. Advocates claim that blood loss is less, visualization is improved, and the cement technique is better with the use of a tourniquet. Others would argue that the use of the tourniquet or limited tourniquet use is safer, does not increase blood loss, and does not compromise visualization and cementing technique. Multiple meta-analyses have been performed that provide very little true evidence of superiority. One such study from Yi et al, concludes that the use of the tourniquet reduces surgical time, intraoperative and total blood loss, but increases postoperative total blood loss. They also conclude that DVT and SSI are “relatively augmented” with use. There may be issues with the timing of tourniquet release in these pooled studies, with others stating that releasing the tourniquet prior to wound closure, supposedly for hemostasis, significantly increases the total and calculated blood loss. Huang et al report that with proper control in the amount of pressure, a debatable topic in and of itself, and shorter duration of inflation, release after closure can reduce blood loss without increased complications. One additional issue is patellar tracking, and the need to lateral release. The tourniquet significantly affects assessment of tracking and the need for lateral release, potentially causing the surgeon to unnecessarily perform a lateral release with the tourniquet inflated. Lastly, research has suggested that using a tourniquet may affect recovery of lower extremity strength and function. Dennis et al compared quadriceps strength and found that use of the tourniquet resulted in “slightly” lower strength postoperatively out to 3 months. The fatal flaw in this study and others is that there is no accepted minimal clinically important difference for quad function, and thus they powered their study to detect a difference of 12 Nm, and the actual difference, while statistically significant, did not even meet their arbitrary power set point. Thus, while strength may be slightly impaired by the use of a tourniquet, it was not different enough to meet their criteria. Additionally, in their study, 64% of the “no-tourniquet” knees actually had a tourniquet used for cementation to “minimise blood at the bone-cement interface and maximise fixation”. Clearly, even these authors are concerned with the results of not using a tourniquet. These authors utilise a pneumatic tourniquet in all cases of primary TKA and release the tourniquet prior to closure to ensure hemostasis and accurately assess patellar tracking. In doing so, we use the methodology of limb occlusion pressure to minimise the pressure to that necessary for ensuring a clear field. Additionally, these authors emphasise the ultimate in surgical efficiency allowing for extremely short tourniquet times, even in the most difficult cases. As an example, in 1300 consecutive obese patients with BMI equal or greater than 35, the average tourniquet time for primary TKA was 49 minutes. These short times, with the minimum pressure allow for the best of both worlds and little to no downside

Blood loss is a major concern in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) along with postoperative knee function. The present study explores the impact of tourniquet and closed-suction drains on blood loss as well as knee function in TKA. A prospective clinical trial was conducted on 111 patients admitted for TKA. Subjects were divided into three groups based on duration of tourniquet use (T+: whole-course tourniquet, T-: cementation only tourniquet) and usage of closed-suction drain (D+: drain use, D-: no drain). Thirty-six subjects were included in group T+D+, 42 in T-D+ and 33 in T-D-. Data from study population was analysed for pre and post-operative hemoglobin level (Hb), perioperative and total blood loss, blood transfusion rates, knee range of motion (ROM), and pain level assessment. Direct and indirect costs associated to nursing time and drains were calculated. Results are presented in mean ± SD. No statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups (T+D+, T-D+ and T-D-) concerning total blood lost (calculated using Gross' formula), Hb levels over the first six postoperative weeks, blood transfusion rates and intra-articular hematomas. Intraoperative bleeding was significantly reduced in T+ subjects compared to T- subjects (100 ± 88 mL vs. 279 ± 235 mL respectively, p < 0.001), yet length of surgery was unaffected by the different tourniquet inflation strategies. Hidden blood loss was lower in D+ subjects compared to D- subjects (1161 ± 554 mL vs. 1667 ± 554 mL respectively, p < 0.001), but it was compensated by the blood loss in the drains. Early post operative ROM (flexion: 79.1 ± 14.8°, extension: −5.0 ± 6.7°) was superior in group T-D- compared to group T+D+ (flexion: 71.9 ± 17.1°, p = 0.071°; extension: −9.9 ± 6.4°, p = 0.004). Nevertheless, ROM six weeks postoperative was not statistically different between groups (flexion: 114.0 ± 13.3°, extension: 0.4 ± 5.2°). Patient-reported postoperative pain was also similar in all groups. Nursing time dedicated to drain management was 30 min/patient (330h total for 660 patients/year). Total costs related to drains were $31.92CAD/patient ($21,067CAD total for 660 patients/year). Our results suggest that whole-course tourniquet and closed-suction drain use in TKA do not yield beneficial results in total blood loss, blood transfusion rates, complication rates and knee rehabilitation. Their clinical relevance in TKA is questionable. Moreover, nursing time and costs related to drains should have been allocated elsewhere in patient care

Background. Tourniquets and tranexamic acid (TXA) are commonly used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but there is not consensus on how these interventions affect blood transfusion rates and total blood loss. Few studies examine the combined use of both interventions. We compared outcome measures and transfusion rates following TKA, with and without the use of tourniquet and TXA. Methods. Retrospective cohort study of 477 consecutive patients undergoing primary TKA at a single center between 2008 and 2013. There were 243 in the tourniquet-assisted (TA) and 234 in the tourniquet-unassisted (TU) group. Subanalysis was performed on those patients receiving TXA. Results. Mean operative duration was 66.4 minutes (30–135) in the TA group and 87.5 minutes (43–162) in the TU group (p<0.0001). Mean post-operative drop in hemoglobin was significantly greater in TU group (3.1g/dl vs. 2.8g/dl, p=0.002). The transfusion rate was 9.5% in TA compared to 11.5% in TU patients (p=0.46) with comparable mean units transfused (2.6 vs. 2.2, p=0.30). There was no significant difference in rate of wound infection (2% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.82) and total complication rate (4.1% vs. 2.5%, p=0.19) between groups. Mean length of stay was 5.8 days in TA and 7 days in the TU group (p=0.07). Those patients given TXA had a lower hemoglobin drop (2.6g/dl vs. 3.3g/dl, p=0.04) with similar transfusion (10.9% vs. 13.3%, p=0.61) and complication (3.3% vs. 5.2%, p=0.95) rates. Discussion. Tourniquet-unassisted TKA had a greater operative duration and post-operative drop in hemoglobin than tourniquet-assisted TKA. However, transfusion rates were similar between groups. TXA use reduced the operative decrease in hemoglobin with no effect on complication or transfusion rates. Key words. TKA, tourniquet, tranexamic acid, transfusion rates, outcomes. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Purpose. According to Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty of the Hip (BHA), several reports indicated earlier acquisition of walking ability in direct anterior approach (DAA) than posterior approach (PA), but there is still few randomized studies comparing accuracy of stem insertion in DAA and PA. Therefore, we performed a prospective study, focusing positioning of implant. Patient and Methods. We chose 29 patients for this study, diagnosed as femoral neck fracture (Garden grade III or IV) from April 2012 to April 2013, excluding obesity patients (body mass index upper than 30kg/m. 2. ), muscular patients, osteoporotic patients (Sigh grade I or II), and tumor bearing patients. Patients were enrolled in a prospective, non-blinded study and were randomly assigned by envelope method to receive either DAA or PA. Taperloc BHA system (Zimmer) was adapted for all cases. Patient condition, operation condition and radiographic findings were investigated. On CT imaging, Canal fill was calculated Stem fill was studied at lower point of lesser trochanter that was considered to be load center. Static analysis was carried out using SPSS ver21 (IBM. c. ). Continuous variables between the two groups were compared using a no matched bilateral Student's t-test. For nominal variables we used χ. 2. test. P value <0.05 was considered to be significant. (Table1). Result. There was no significant difference in the head size (DAA43.7/PA45.1mm, p=0.628), stem size (DAA10.6/PA10.8, p=0.739) and total blood loss (DAA198.3/PA146.7ml, p=0.41). Duration of operation was significantly longer in the DAA group at 85.61 min in comparison with 61.75 min in the PA group (p<0.001). One fracture of the greater trochanter during surgery was occurred in DAA group. This case needed cable fixation around greater trochanter. No symptomatic pulmonary embolism occurred, but deep vein thrombosis was detected in three patients in DAA group and in two patients in PA group. Canal fill calculated by CT imaging was no significant difference between both groups (DAA67%/PA71%, p=0.12). All patients were discharged to a rehabilitation facility. Modified Harris Hip score at the discharge assessed early clinical result. There was no significant difference between both groups (DAA45.7/PA49.1, p=0.713). To evaluate the learning effect of the operative outcome, we divide both groups into halves. We defined the first half of subgroups as early phase and the last half of subgroups as late phase. In the DAA group, significant improvement was observed in canal fill and there was a tendency of total blood loss to be lesser (Table 2). In the PA group, on the other hand, no improvement was observed for any values (Table 3). Discussion and conclusion. We performed a prospective randomized study. The strengths of this study include the standardized protocol about stem component and surgical team. There were significant difference with duration operation in this study. This facilitates accurate radiographic assessment so that we could analyze more reliable data. This study is a preliminary study and probably sample size may be inadequate. We can also ignore the effect of learning curve especially in the DAA group

Introduction. Oral factor Xa inhibitors have recently been licensed for use as thromboprophylaxis in arthroplasty surgery. Phase IV trials have proven there efficacy in DVT/PE prevention with comparable rates in major adverse events, including major bleeding. We examined whether the introduction of rivaroxoban, an oral factor Xa inhibitor, increased total blood loss in patients undergoing primary arthroplasty surgery. Methods. Two groups were studied. The intervention group were prescribed rivaroxoban thrombophrophylaxis 6–10 hours post-surgery, and the control group were prescribed low molecular weight heparin (daltaparin 5,000u) 6–10 hours post-surgery. All other factors were kept constant. Pre- and post-operative haemoglobin levels (post-operative day 2) were recorded. Any requirement for transfusion was also documented. Actual drop in haemoglobin levels was compared between the two groups. Results. 91 patients were prescribed rivaroxoban (48 THR and 43 TKR), and 71 were included in the control group (34 THR and 37 TKR). Baseline pre-operative haemoglobin were comparable (p=0.43; 13.0 vs 13.2g/dL), however, post-operative blood loss was significantly increased in the rivaroxoban group (p=< 0.0001; 3.6 vs 2.8g/dL). Total knee replacements had a significant increase in post-operative blood loss in the rivaroxoban group (p=< 0.0001; 3.4 vs 2.6g/dL). Total hip replacement surgery had an increase in total blood loss in the rivaroxoban group, but this did not reach statistical significance (p=0.33; 3.8 vs 3.3g/dL). More patients undergoing TKR required transfusion in the rivaroxoban group (0.07% vs 0.03%). Conclusions. Oral factor Xa inhibitors significantly increase post-operative blood loss in total knee arthroplasty surgery when compared with LMWH. There is a subsequent increased requirement for blood transfusion and the potential complications related to bleeding and transfusion. These factors must be considered and balanced with the ease of oral anticoagulation when introducing these newer agents in arthroplasty patients

We prospectively audited 79 patients undergoing primary knee or hip arthroplasty (38 knees, 41 hips) and found that 66% (58% of knees, 73% of hips) had at least one unit of blood transfused postoperatively, with a mean transfusion requirement of 1.3 units per patient (1.1 for knees, 0 to 6; 1.5 for hips, 0 to 4). We then established a new protocol for postoperative blood transfusion. This requires the calculation of the maximum allowable blood loss (MABL) that each individual patient can safely lose based upon their weight and preoperative haematocrit. The total blood loss up to this volume is replaced with colloid. When a patient’s total blood loss reaches their MABL their haematocrit is measured at the bedside using the Microspin system (Bayer plc, Newbury, UK). If their haematocrit is low (< 0.30 for men, < 0.27 for women), blood is transfused. As a safety net all patients have their haemoglobin formally checked on days 1, 2, and 3 after surgery and have a transfusion if the haemoglobin levels are less than 8.5 g/dl. We conducted a further audit of 82 patients (35 knees, 47 hips) after the introduction of this protocol. Under the new protocol only 24% of patients required blood (11% of knees, 34% of hips) with a mean transfusion requirement of 0.56 units per patient (0.26 for knees, 0 to 4; 0.79 for hips, 0 to 4). The use of clinical audit and the introduction of strict guidelines for transfusion can change transfusion practice and result in improved patient care. Our transfusion protocol is a simple and effective method of keeping transfusion to a minimum and is particularly useful in departments which do not have the facility to use autologous blood or reinfusion drains for elective orthopaedic surgery

While advances in the design and fixation of implants have improved the survival and function of total knee replacements, blood loss from the procedure remains a significant concern. It is estimated that 800 mL to 1700 mL of blood is lost during the peri-operative period of a total knee replacement. Accordingly, allogenic blood transfusion following total knee replacement has been reported to be as high as fifty percent. Transfusion of allogenic blood, however, is not without risk, and has been shown to be associated with higher rates of infection, fluid overload, and increased length of stay following total knee replacement. Topical fibrin sprays applied to the exposed tissues and bony surfaces during total knee replacement has shown promise as an alternative hemostatic option in prior studies. By promoting hemostasis prior to tourniquet deflation, it is thought that post-operative blood loss will be reduced. In addition to reduction of total blood loss from TKA, it is possible that intra-articular hemarthrosis will be reduced, and patients may regain motion more quickly post-operatively. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to compare the total blood volume loss in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty with and without the intra-operative application of a fibrin sealant. Secondary aims included a comparison of the rate of allogenic blood transfusions, post-operative pain scores, and knee range of motion between groups

Introduction. Tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial and few reports exist using contemporary pain protocols and tranexamic acid (TXA). This study aimed to examine whether a modern TKA protocol without a tourniquet results in less blood loss, patient-reported pain, and opioid consumption compared to TKAs with a tourniquet. Methods. A retrospective study was performed on 210 consecutive primary cemented TKAs using computer-assisted navigation with or without tourniquet. The tourniquet was inflated the entire procedure or not at all, and sterile CO2 gas was used to maximise cement interdigitation in non-tourniquet knees. All patients received identical implants and underwent the same TKA perioperative protocols. Standardised inpatient pain level targets were utilised and medication titrated to control postoperative pain. Pain on a 10 point scale in the first 24 hours after surgery and blood loss (preoperative to postoperative day 1 decline in hemoglobin, total blood loss in liters, drain output in milliliters, and drain output per hour) were analyzed relative to tourniquet use. Results. After exclusions for confounds, 184 consecutive TKAs (93 tourniquet; 91 tourniquetless) were analyzed. Age (p = 0.561) and BMI (p = 0.580) did not differ between the two groups. By chance, there were significantly more females in the tourniquet group (55.9%) compared to the no tourniquet group (44.1%) (p = 0.019). Consequently, outcome analyses were performed separately for females and males. Median pain in the first 24 hours was significantly lower for women without a tourniquet (1.9 vs. 2.7, p = 0.002). This corresponded to significantly less opioid consumption in the first 24 hours among women without tourniquets (18.8 vs. 42.8 Me, p < 0.0001). Neither pain nor opioid consumption in the first 24 hours differed based on tourniquet use in men (p ≥ 0.114). Not surprisingly, significantly more blood loss was observed on all four metrics in tourniquetless knees for both women (p ≤ 0.040) and men (p ≤ 0.020). Discussion. In contemporary TKA using multi-modal pain protocols and TXA, not using a tourniquet resulted in less pain and lower narcotic consumption in the first 24 hours after surgery for women, but not for men. It is possible that women may be more affected by tourniquet-induced ischemia in the early postoperative period. These results are timely with current national initiatives to minimise perioperative opioid consumption

Background. Total joint replacement surgery is associated with large amounts of blood loss and significant rates of transfusions. Postoperative bleeding is one of the most important problems after major orthopedic surgeries including revision Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). It has been demonstrate that Tranexamic acid is a useful agent to control the volume of blood loss. However, the more effective route of TXA administration remained controversial. Methods. In current study, we compared the effects of local and intravenous(IV) administration of TXA on need to blood transfusion and hemoglobin drop. We randomized 80 patients undergoing revision THA into two groups: local group and IV group. In group IV 40 patients was administrated TXA 4 g alone systemically and in local group 40 patients the joint was irrigated with 4 g of TXA plus 0.33mg DEP (1:200,000). Results. The level of Hb was measured before and after operation and the rate of Hb drop was compared. Also, the blood transfused were compared in two group. Results showed topical TXA plus DEP substantially reduced total blood loss, hidden blood loss and transfusion rate compared with TXA alone, without increasing the risks of hemodynamic complexity. Conclusion. We conclude that local use of TXA plus DEP was crucially effective and safe option compared with intravenous TXA alone in reducing total and hidden blood loss and transfusion rate following revision THA without considerable complications

Introduction. Tourniquet use in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial and few reports exist using contemporary pain protocols and tranexamic acid (TXA). This study aimed to examine whether a modern TKA protocol without a tourniquet results in less blood loss, patient-reported pain, and opioid consumption compared to TKAs with a tourniquet. Methods. A retrospective study was performed on 210 consecutive primary cemented TKAs using computer-assisted navigation with or without tourniquet. The tourniquet was inflated the entire procedure or not at all, and sterile CO2 gas was used to maximise cement interdigitation in non-tourniquet knees. All patients received identical implants and underwent the same TKA peri-operative protocols. Standardised inpatient pain level targets were utilised and medication titrated to control post-operative pain. Pain on a 10 point scale in the first 24 hours after surgery and blood loss (pre-operative to post-operative day 1 decline in hemoglobin, total blood loss in liters, drain output in milliliters, and drain output per hour) were analyzed relative to tourniquet use. Results. After exclusions for confounds, 184 consecutive TKAs (93 tourniquet; 91 tourniquetless) were analyzed. Age (p = 0.561) and BMI (p = 0.580) did not differ between the two groups. By chance, there were significantly more females in the tourniquet group (55.9%) compared to the no tourniquet group (44.1%) (p = 0.019). Consequently, outcome analyses were performed separately for females and males. Median pain in the first 24 hours was significantly lower for women without a tourniquet (1.9 vs. 2.7, p = 0.002). This corresponded to significantly less opioid consumption in the first 24 hours among women without tourniquets (18.8 vs. 42.8 Me, p < 0.0001). Neither pain nor opioid consumption in the first 24 hours differed based on tourniquet use in men (p ≥ 0.114). Not surprisingly, significantly more blood loss was observed on all four metrics in tourniquetless knees for both women (p ≤ 0.040) and men (p ≤ 0.020). Discussion. In contemporary TKA using multi-modal pain protocols and TXA, not using a tourniquet resulted in less pain and lower narcotic consumption in the first 24 hours after surgery for women, but not for men. It is possible that women may be more effected by tourniquet-induced ischemia in the early post-operative period. These results are timely with current national initiatives to minimise peri-operative opioid consumption

Purpose. This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the effects of computer navigation on blood conservation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by comparing postoperative blood loss and need for allogenic blood transfusion in patients undergoing computer navigation and conventional primary TKAs. Methods. Studies were included in this meta-analysis if they compared change in haemoglobin concentration before and after surgery, postoperative blood loss via drainage or calculated total blood loss, and/or allogenic blood transfusion rate following TKA using computer navigation and conventional methods. For all comparisons, odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for binary outcomes, while mean difference and 95 % CI were calculated for continuous outcomes. Results. Twelve studies were included in this meta-analysis. The change in haemoglobin concentration was 0.39 g/dl lower with computer navigation than with conventional TKA (P = 0.006). Blood loss via drainage was 83.1 ml (P = 0.03) lower and calculated blood loss was 185.4 ml (P = 0.002) lower with computer navigation than with conventional TKA. However, the need for blood transfusion was similar for the two approaches (n.s.). Conclusions. The primary TKA with computer navigation was effective in reducing haemoglobin loss and blood loss, but had no effect on transfusion requirement, compared with conventional primary TKA. These findings suggest the importance of analysing several blood loss parameters, because each may not always accurately reflect true postsurgical bleeding

Background. The reductions of perioperative blood loss and inflammatory response are important in total knee arthroplasty. Tranexamic acid reduced blood loss and the inflammatory response in several studies. However, the effect of epinephrine administration plus tranexamic acid has not been intensively investigated, to our knowledge. In this study, we evaluated whether the combined administration of low-dose epinephrine plus tranexamic acid reduced perioperative blood loss or inflammatory response further compared with tranexamic acid alone. Methods. This randomized placebo-controlled trial consisted of 179 consecutive patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty. Patients were randomized into 3 interventions: Group IV received intravenous low-dose epinephrine plus tranexamic acid, Group TP received topical diluted epinephrine plus tranexamic acid, and Group CT received tranexamic acid alone. The primary outcome was perioperative blood loss on postoperative day 1. Secondary outcomes included perioperative blood loss on postoperative day 3, coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters (measured by thromboelastography), inflammatory cytokine levels, transfusion values (rate and volume), thromboembolic complications, length of hospital stay, wound score, range of motion, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score. Results. The mean calculated total blood loss (and standard deviation) in Group IV was 348.1 ± 158.2 mL on postoperative day 1 and 458.0 ± 183.4 mL on postoperative day 3, which were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) compared with Group TP at 420.5 ± 188.4 mL on postoperative day 1 and 531.1 ± 231.4 mL on postoperative day 3 and Group CT at 520.4 ± 228.4 mL on postoperative day 1 and 633.7 ± 237.3 mL on postoperative day 3. Intravenous low-dose epinephrine exhibited a net anti-inflammatory activity in total knee arthroplasty and did not induce an obvious hypercoagulable status. Transfusion values were significantly (p=0.023 and 0.032) reduced in Group IV, but no significant differences were observed in the incidence of thromboembolic complications, wound score, range of motion, and HSS score among the 3 groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions. The combined administration of low-dose epinephrine and tranexamic acid demonstrated an increased effect in reducing perioperative blood loss and the inflammatory response compared with tranexamic acid alone, with no apparent increased incidence of thromboembolic and other complications