Comparative effectiveness of combined peri-articular and intra-articular injection versus intravenous and intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid in total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial study.

Abstract

Tranexamic acid (TXA) administration is supported by numerous evidence in reducing blood loss after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The combination of intravenous (IV) and intra-articular (IA) TXA administration revealed good result in blood loss reduction with less evidence of venous thromboembolism event (VTE). Several literature reviews portray that peri-articular (PA) administration yields similar hemostasis in comparison to IV route. However, there is no report on the clinical effect of combining PA + IA TXA in blood loss reduction and its complications, compared to combining IV + IA TXA after TKA. We conducted a double-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing the use of PA + IA TXA administration and IV + IA TXA administration in 70 patients who were scheduled for unilateral primary TKA. Thirty-five patients were assigned for PA + IA injection (Group 1) and anoter 35 patients were assigned for IV + IA injection (Group 2). Primary outcomes included total blood loss at 48h, and the need for blood transfusion. Secondary outcomes included thigh and leg circumference, degree of knee flexion, and postoperative complications. The calculated blood loss at 48h showed no difference between Groups 1 and 2 (617ml vs. 632ml, p = 0.425). The total hemoglobin and hematocrit changes were not different (1.89g/dL vs. 1.97g/dL, p = 0.371 and 5.66% vs. 5.87%, p = 0.391). There was no need for blood transfusion in either group. However, lower thigh swelling was significant in Group 1 (2.15cm vs. 2.79cm, p = 0.04). Leg circumferences at 48h was also lower in Group 1(42.12cm vs. 42.77cm, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in knee flexion decrease between the two groups (38° vs. 37°, p = 0.425). There were no VTE complications or infections found in either group. Combined PA + IA TXA administration had similar efficacy in blood loss reduction and blood transfusion when compared to combined IV + IA TXA. The first group displayed less soft tissue swelling. The combination of PA + IA TXA administration can be used as an alternative regimen to avoid IV TXA administration.