Blood loss in primary total knee replacement with intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid and presurization

Chen Qun-qun; Chen Jian-fa; Zhou Chi; Dong Lu-jue; Huo Shao-chuan; Wang Hai-bin

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2016.44.004

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Tranexamic acid is extensively used in the primary total knee replacement, but there are many different methods. OBJECTIVE:To explore the efficacy and safety of the intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid with pressurization in reducing the blood loss of primary total knee replacement. METHODS:Total y 56 patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty were enrol ed and randomly divided into two groups. Patients were given the intra-articular injection of 100 mL of saline solution dissolving 2.0 g of tranexamic acid with large pad pressure bandaging the knee, and 4-hour drainage tube close, and then underwent negative pressure suction (experimental group);differently, the controls were given the normal pad bandage group. The drainage tube was removed within 48 hours after replacement. The patient blood routine examination was performed at the 3rd day, and at the same time, the volume of drainage was recorded;and the color Doppler ultrasound in ipsilateral lower extremity veins was conducted to observe the incidence of thrombosis at 4-5 days. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The total blood loss, postoperative dominant blood loss, and hidden blood loss in the experimental group were significantly less than those in the control group (P<0.05). (2) No significant difference was found in the incidence of postoperative thrombosis between two groups (P>0.05). (3) These results indicate that the intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid with pressurization can significantly reduce the postoperative blood loss in the primary total knee arthroplasty, without increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis.