Administration of tranexamic acid in primary total joint arthroplasty

One of the concerning problems with total joint arthroplasties is a need for postoperative blood transfusion. Currently, evidence is gathered that allogenic blood transfusion has more disadvantages than previously thought. It is an independent risk factor that boosts infection rate, it increases total cost of joint arthroplasty and amplifies the risk of fluid overload as well as increases length of hospital stay. In the search for factors that may contribute to influencing the need for blood transfusion, tranexamic acid has been tested. Currently, it has a well-documented effect on reduction of intra- and postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. In this brief review, we will discuss documented use of tranexamic acid in total joint arthroplasties, focusing on the hip joint.