What Is the Benefit of Tranexamic Acid vs Reinfusion Drains in Total Joint Arthroplasty?

Abstract

We sought to compare the efficacy and cost of reinfusion drains vs tranexamic acid (TA) in primary total joint athroplasty (TJA) patients. We randomized 186 primary TJAs (71 hips, 115 knees) to standard drains (61/186), autologous reinfusion drains (60/186), or single dose (20 mg/kg) of TA (65/186). There was a statistically significant (P < .0001) less drop in hemoglobin levels (2.98 mg/dL; range, 0.5-6.10) in the TA group compared with standard drains (P < .0001) and reinfusion drains (P < .0061). There was no significant difference in transfusion rates. At $581.89, the unit cost of the reinfusion system is substantially higher than the standard drain ($7.56) and TA ($35.91/g). The results of this randomized controlled trial demonstrate that TA is more efficacious and provides cost savings compared with reinfusion drains as a blood management tool for TJA.