The Efficacy and Safety of Tranexamic Acid in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Literature Review

Abstract

Historically, total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been associated with significant perioperative blood loss and a relatively high rate of allogeneic blood transfusions. However, in recent years, tranexamic acid (TXA), a competitive inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator, inhibiting fibrinolysis of existing thrombi, has substantially decreased the need for blood transfusion in THA and TKA. Various administration strategies have been studied, but there remains a lack of consensus on an optimal route and dosing regimen, with intravenous and topical regimens being widely used. A growing body of literature has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of TXA in primary and revision THA and TKA to reduce blood loss, allogeneic transfusions, and complications; it is associated with lowered lengths of stay, costs, and readmission rates.