Topical co-delivery of platelet rich fibrin and tranexamic acid does not decrease blood loss in primary total knee arthroplasty compared to the standard of care: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intra-operative co-administration of tranexamic acid (TA) and platelet rich fibrin (PRF) using a proprietary co-delivery system on the amount of blood loss, early functional outcomes and wound complications after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The intervention was compared to the standard of care (combined intravenous & topical TA) in a prospective, randomized, blinded setting. 80 patients undergoing primary cemented TKA without tourniquet were prospectively randomized into control (combined intravenous and topical TA) and PRF (intra-venous TA and co-delivery of topical PRF and TA) groups after informed consent. Total blood loss, drainage blood loss, knee range of motion, VAS pain scores, length of stay and wound complications were analysed. Data collection was performed in a double blind manner on days 1, 3 and 21. There was no statistically significant difference in drainage blood loss (550ml vs. 525ml, p = 0.643), calculated total blood loss on day 1 (401ml vs. 407ml, p = 0.722), day 3 (467ml vs 471ml, p = 0.471) and day 21 (265ml vs. 219ml, p = 0.082) between the PRF and control groups respectively. The PRF group had a small but statistically significant increase in median knee extension in the early post-operative period, however this difference evened out at 3weeks. No significant difference could be demonstrated between the PRF and control groups in length of stay, VAS pain scores, narcotic usage, wound complications and knee flexion at all time points. The topical co-delivery of PRF and TA does not significantly decrease blood loss in primary TKA compared to the standard of care. Slightly better active knee extension in the first 3 postoperative days can be achieved, however this benefit is not clinically relevant. I, Therapeutic study.