Tranexamic Acid Reduces Total Blood Loss and Inflammatory Response in Computer-Assisted Navigation Total Knee Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an effective blood salvage agent that reduces perioperative blood loss in conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA). As computer-assisted surgery for TKA (CAS-TKA) results in a lower perioperative blood loss than conventional TKA, the additional effect of blood conservation by TXA might be mitigated. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TXA in CAS-TKA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 222 consecutive patients who underwent CAS-TKA. Intravenous TXA was administered in 103 patients (TXA group) at a dosage of 20 mg/kg 15 min before deflation of the tourniquet. The other 119 patients did not receive TXA (control group). Patient demographic data including age, gender, BMI, DM, and hypertension were collected. The primary outcomes were the estimated total blood loss (ETBL) and perioperative data, including tourniquet duration, preoperative and postoperative day 1 (POD1) and day 3 (POD3) serum D-dimer, CRP, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) levels. Secondary outcomes including transfusion rate and 90-day complications were recorded. RESULTS: The ETBL was lower in the TXA group on both POD1 (404.34 ± 234.77 vs. 595.47 ± 279.04, p < 0.001) and POD3 (761.39 ± 260.88 vs. 987.79 ± 326.58, p < 0.001). The TXA group also demonstrated a lower level of CRP on POD1 (p=0.02) and lower levels of CRP and serum D-dimer on POD3 (p=0.008 and p < 0.001). Consumption of fibrinogen was higher in the control group on both POD1 (p=0.013) and POD3 (p < 0.001). Length of hospital stay was lower in the TXA group (5.42 ± 1.21 vs. 6.25 ± 1.49, p < 0.001). The transfusion rate and perioperative complications were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Administration of TXA is not only effective in reducing perioperative blood loss and length of hospital stay but also exerts an anti-inflammatory effect following CAS-TKA without causing major complications.