Simultaneous bilateral computer assisted total knee arthroplasty: the effect of intravenous or intraarticular tranexamic acid.

Abstract

The use of tranexamic acid (TA) in total knee arthroplasty is well documented. However, there is limited evidence to suggest the use of TA in simultaneous bilateral computer assisted total knee arthroplasty (CATKA). We, therefore, studied the effect of TA, in simultaneous bilateral computer assisted total knee arthroplasty, in terms of blood transfusion, routes of administration and complications. We divided 90 patients into three groups. Group I patients received intravenous normal saline alone (IVNS group). Group II received intravenous TA alone (IVTA group). Group III received intraarticular TA alone (IATA group). Our study confirms that there is significant benefit of using TA but no difference between the intravenous or intraarticular routes of administration.