Identifying the period of greatest blood loss after lower limb arthroplasty

Is Combining Two Different Routes of TXA Administration an Effective Blood Conserving Strategy for Total Knee Arthroplasty

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of combined use of pre-operative oral and post-operative intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) as an effective blood conserving regimen in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and compare its outcome with other modes of TXA administration.

Patients and Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted on 25 patients with osteoarthritis knee undergoing TKA. Patients were given 1950 mg of oral TXA pre-operatively and 15 mg/kg of IV TXA post-operatively before tourniquet deflation. The outcome of the study in terms of peri-operative (intra-operative and post-operative) blood loss estimation, drain output, percentage fall in haemoglobin, and knee HSS scores pre-operatively and on subsequent follow-up were compared with the outcome of previous studies conducted in the same institution with intra-operative topical TXA administration, pre-operative oral TXA administration and without TXA administration.

Results

The mean drain volume was 307.30 ± 148.00 ml and 22 (88%) patients had a drain volume less than 500 ml. The mean post-operative haemoglobin value was 10.53 ± 1.75 g/dl. It was observed that 18 (72%) of patients had up to 15% fall in haemoglobin. The mean percentage fall was 11.92%. In this study, 22 (88%) patients did not require any blood transfusion. Mean blood loss was 369.6 ± 159.96 ml. Maximum patients had less than 500 ml blood loss. No incidence of implant loosening, infection or wound gaping, clinically evident DVT/pulmonary thromboembolism was observed in the present study. We analysed total modified HSS knee score from pre-operative to 6 months follow-up using multi-group repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), the difference in total modified HSS knee score between all the duration was observed to be highly significant (p < 0.001).

Discussion

Combined administration of pre-operative oral and post-operative IV TXA is a safe and effective blood-conserving strategy in patients undergoing TKA along with the use of tourniquet. The outcome in terms of post-operative blood loss and drain output and the knee HSS score is comparable to the other modes of administration.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-023-00875-w.

The Efficacy of Bone Wax in Reduction of Perioperative Blood Loss in Total Hip Arthroplasty via Direct Anterior Approach: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Perioperative blood management in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become a prime focus of research. Given the morbidity, delayed recovery, and prolonged hospital stay associated with postoperative anemia, various measures have been proposed to reduce perioperative blood loss (PBL). In this trial, we studied the efficacy of bone wax application on the distal cut surface of the femoral neck in reducing PBL during THA through the direct anterior approach.

METHODS

In a randomized controlled clinical trial, 152 patients underwent THA through the direct anterior approach with use of bone wax (n = 75) or without bone wax (control) (n = 77). The study was triple-blinded. The primary outcomes were apparent PBL (blood in sponges and suction canister) and total PBL on postoperative days (PODs) 3 and 5 (as calculated with the Good and Nadler methods). Transfusion and complications were the secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, etiology, preoperative hematologic/coagulation profile, anesthesia, intraoperative mean arterial pressure, or operative time. Apparent PBL, total PBL on POD3, and total PBL, in milliliters, on POD5 were significantly lower in the wax group, with median values of 200 (interquartile range [IQR]: 115 to 310) versus 370 (IQR: 195 to 513.7), 505.2 (IQR: 409.2 to 637.6) versus 747 (IQR: 494.6 to 955.4), and 536.7 (IQR: 430.9 to 689.3) versus 767.8 (IQR: 537.8 to 1,021.9) in the wax and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). No significant differences in the rates of transfusion and complications were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone wax on the cut surface of femoral neck can significantly reduce PBL during THA through the direct anterior approach. Bone wax is accessible and inexpensive and can be considered a routine part of the surgical technique in THA through the direct anterior approach. This intervention has no impact on complication or transfusion rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Safety of wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) in for lower limb surgery: A potential alternative in times of emergency

Lower limb surgery is usually performed under general or regional anaesthesia in normal operating room setting. However, when the surgery need to be performed in situations where there are limited resources and equipment, especially during a pandemic outbreak, in battlefields or area of disaster occurrence, the wide-awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) surgery can be utilised. This study aims to assess the efficacy of performing lower limb surgery using WALANT technique. A randomised cross-sectional study was designed to assess the effectiveness of WALANT in lower limb surgery, particularly in terms of duration of anaesthesia, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), pain visual analogue scale (VAS), duration of surgery, amount of estimated blood loss (EBL) and total length of stay (LOS). A total of 91 patients requiring lower limb surgery were recruited, with only 83 patients completed the VAS pain assessment for all time points of the study. Mean age of patients was 52.1 ± 14.9 years. Mean VAS score were 1.19 ± 1.53 and 1.46 ± 1.86, preoperatively and intraoperatively. Mean VAS score were 0.55 ± 1.52, 0.60 ± 1.41, and 1.06 ± 1.69 at 2, 4, and 6 h post-surgery, respectively. Majority (79; 86.8%) of patient has preoperative anxiety score that was <17. Mean surgery duration was 65.28 ± 39.02 min, mean EBL was 91.34 ± 78.94 cc, whereas mean LOS was 3.35 ± 1.16 days. EBL was a weak predictor of postoperative pain. In conclusion, WALANT technique for lower limb surgery is effective and safe.

Using tranexamic acid for an additional 24 hours postoperatively in hip and knee arthroplasty saves money: a cost analysis from the TRAC-24 randomized control trial

Aims

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is now commonly used in major surgical operations including orthopaedics. The TRAC-24 randomized control trial (RCT) aimed to assess if an additional 24 hours of TXA postoperatively in primary total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) reduced blood loss. Contrary to other orthopaedic studies to date, this trial included high-risk patients. This paper presents the results of a cost analysis undertaken alongside this RCT.

Methods

TRAC-24 was a prospective RCT on patients undergoing TKA and THA. Three groups were included: Group 1 received 1 g intravenous (IV) TXA perioperatively and an additional 24-hour postoperative oral regime, Group 2 received only the perioperative dose, and Group 3 did not receive TXA. Cost analysis was performed out to day 90.

Results

Group 1 was associated with the lowest mean total costs, followed by Group 2 and then Group 3. The differences between Groups 1 and 3 (-£797.77 (95% confidence interval -1,478.22 to -117.32) were statistically significant. Extended oral dosing reduced costs for patients undergoing THA but not TKA. The reduced costs in Groups 1 and 2 resulted from reduced length of stay, readmission rates, emergency department attendances, and blood transfusions.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated significant cost savings when using TXA in primary THA or TKA. Extended oral dosing reduced costs further in THA but not TKA.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(7):536–542.

Perioperative haematological outcomes following total knee arthroplasty in haemophiliacs

PURPOSE

Patients with haemophilia suffer from recurrent joint haemarthrosis. This can progress to symptomatic arthropathy commonly affecting the knee. While modern coagulation strategies have reduced those proceeding to end-stage arthropathy, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains the optimal treatment for some patients. Despite innovation in perioperative haematological management, concerns about the potential for excessive haemorrhage still exist. The aim of this study is to quantify immediate postoperative blood loss and haematological complications in haemophiliacs following TKA.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients with haemophilia types A or B who underwent a TKA over a 12-year period at a single institution was conducted. These patients were compared to both a non-haemophiliac control group and to published standards in non-haemophiliacs undergoing TKA.

RESULTS

Twenty-one TKA procedures in 18 patients (72% haemophilia A, 28% haemophilia B) were suitable for inclusion with a mean age of 44 years. The mean haemoglobin drops at 24 and 48 h postoperatively were 2.7 g/dl and 3.8 g/dl respectively. There was no significant difference in haemoglobin drop at 48 h postoperatively when compared to the non-haemophiliac control group (P = 0.2644). There were no immediate perioperative complications and two patients (9.6%) required postoperative transfusion.

CONCLUSION

Haemophiliacs undergoing a unilateral primary TKA in a specialised tertiary referral centre appear to have comparable rates of perioperative blood loss when compared to both a non-haemophiliac control group as and published haemostatic standards in non-haemophiliac patients following TKA. Perioperative management with expert orthopaedic and haematological input is recommended to optimise outcomes in this complex patient group.

Oral tranexamic acid for an additional 24 hours postoperatively versus a single preoperative intravenous dose for reducing blood loss in total knee arthroplasty: results of a randomized controlled trial (TRAC-24)

AIMS

In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), blood loss continues internally after surgery is complete. Typically, the total loss over 48 postoperative hours can be around 1,300 ml, with most occurring within the first 24 hours. We hypothesize that the full potential of tranexamic acid (TXA) to decrease TKA blood loss has not yet been harnessed because it is rarely used beyond the intraoperative period, and is usually withheld from 'high-risk' patients with a history of thromboembolic, cardiovascular, or cerebrovascular disease, a patient group who would benefit greatly from a reduced blood loss.

METHODS

TRAC-24 was a prospective, phase IV, single-centre, open label, parallel group, randomized controlled trial on patients undergoing TKA, including those labelled as high-risk. The primary outcome was indirect calculated blood loss (IBL) at 48 hours. Group 1 received 1 g intravenous (IV) TXA at the time of surgery and an additional 24-hour postoperative oral regime of four 1 g doses, while Group 2 only received the intraoperative dose and Group 3 did not receive any TXA.

RESULTS

Between July 2016 and July 2018, 552 patients were randomized to either Group 1 (n = 241), Group 2 (n = 243), or Group 3 (n = 68), and 551 were included in the final analysis. The blood loss did differ significantly between the two intervention groups (733.5 ml (SD 384.0) for Group 1 and 859.2 ml (SD 363.6 ml) for Group 2; mean difference -125.8 ml (95% confidence interval -194.0 to -57.5; p < 0.001). No differences in mortality or thromboembolic events were observed in any group.

CONCLUSION

These data support the hypothesis that in TKA, a TXA regime consisting of IV 1 g perioperatively and four oral 1 g doses over 24 hours postoperatively significantly reduces blood loss beyond that achieved with a single IV 1 g perioperative dose alone. TXA appears safe in patients with history of thromboembolic, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular disease. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(10):1595-1603.

The association between bone mineral density and postoperative drainage volume following cruciate-substituting primary total knee arthroplasty: a cross-sectional study

Background

The prevalence of osteoporosis in patients who undergo a primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is increasing. Low bone mineral density (BMD) is related to unfavorable outcomes following TKA such as migration of uncemented tibial components. Postoperative blood loss in TKA is an important complication. Non-modifying predicting factors for postoperative blood loss in patients undergoing primary TKA need further elucidation. Studies on the association between BMD and blood loss after TKA are limited. We aimed to demonstrate the relationship between BMD and postoperative drainage volume following primary TKA.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2014 and August 2020. A total of 119 primary varus osteoarthritis knees with BMD results were included in the study. Patients with secondary causes of osteoporosis were excluded.

Results

The median postoperative drainage volume of participants in the normal total hip BMD group and the normal trochanter BMD group was higher than that of patients in the low total hip BMD group and the low trochanter BMD group (285.0 ml vs 230.0 ml, P = 0.003; 282.5 ml vs 240.0 ml, P = 0.013, respectively). Multivariate regression analyses showed that operative time, spinal anesthesia, and normal total hip BMD status were significant predictive factors associated with increased postoperative drainage volume (P = 0.014, 0.022, and 0.013, respectively). No association was identified between the lumbar spine BMD status and postoperative drainage volume.

Conclusions

The relationship between BMD and postoperative blood loss in primary TKA was identified in this study. Normal total hip BMD was found to be associated with an increased postoperative drainage volume after primary TKA compared with low BMD.

Oral tranexamic acid for an additional 24 hours postoperatively versus a single preoperative intravenous dose for reducing blood loss in total hip arthroplasty: results of a randomized controlled trial (TRAC-24)

AIMS

A typical pattern of blood loss associated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) is 200 ml intraoperatively and 1.3 l in the first 48 postoperative hours. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is most commonly given as a single preoperative dose only and is often withheld from patients with a history of thromboembolic disease as they are perceived to be "high-risk" with respect to postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE). The TRanexamic ACid for 24 hours trial (TRAC-24) aimed to identify if an additional 24-hour postoperative TXA regime could further reduce blood loss beyond a once-only dose at the time of surgery, without excluding these high-risk patients.

METHODS

TRAC-24 was a prospective, phase IV, single centre, open label, parallel group, randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving patients undergoing primary unilateral elective THA. The primary outcome measure was the indirect calculated blood loss (IBL) at 48 hours. The patients were randomized into three groups. Group 1 received 1 g intravenous (IV) TXA at the time of surgery and an additional oral regime for 24 hours postoperatively, group 2 only received the intraoperative dose, and group 3 did not receive any TXA.

RESULTS

A total of 534 patients were randomized, with 233 in group 1, 235 in group 2, and 66 in group 3; 92 patients (17.2%) were considered high-risk. The mean IBL did not differ significantly between the two intervention groups (848.4 ml (SD 463.8) for group 1, and 843.7 ml (SD 478.7) for group 2; mean difference -4.7 ml (95% confidence interval -82.9 to 92.3); p = 0.916). No differences in mortality or incidence of VTE were observed between any group.

CONCLUSION

The addition of oral TXA for 24 hours postoperatively does not reduce blood loss beyond that achieved with a single 1 g IV perioperative dose alone. There may be a clinically relevant difference in patients with a normal BMI, which warrants further investigation. Critically, there were no safety issues in patients with a history of thromboembolic, cardiovascular, or cerebrovascular disease. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1197-1205.

Preoperative Anemia in Primary Arthroplasty Patients-Prevalence, Influence on Outcome, and the Effect of Treatment

BACKGROUND

This study aims to: 1) Determine the prevalence of preoperative anemia in arthroplasty; 2) Assess whether preoperative anemia is associated with inferior outcomes; and 3) Ascertain whether optimization in a dedicated blood management program (BMP) is associated with improved outcomes.

METHODS

All primary arthroplasties performed at an academic, tertiary-care, arthroplasty center between 2012 and 2017 were reviewed. Hemoglobin level obtained in the preoperative assessment clinic was recorded. Patients with anemia were then considered for further review in BMP. Outcomes included improvement in hemoglobin level post-BMP; length of stay; perioperative transfusion; 90-day readmission, complication, and reoperation rates. The effect of preoperative anemia and the effect of treatment at the BMP on outcomes were evaluated through multivariable regression analysis controlling for relevant covariates.

RESULTS

17% of patients (932/5384) were found to have anemia; 115/357 patients who attended the BMP were no longer anemic. Thus, at time of operation, 15% of patients (817/5384) had anemia. Anemic patients were 4.09 times more likely (95% CI: 2.64-6.35) to require a transfusion; 1.42 times more likely (95% CI: 0.99-2.03) to sustain complications and had 19% longer (95% CI: 13%-26%) length of stay. Those who attended the BMP were less likely to receive a transfusion (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.16-0.66), suffer from postoperative complications (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14-0.63), or require readmission compared with anemic patients not seen in the BMP (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09-0.71).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of anemia in this arthroplasty cohort was 15%. Preoperative, timely, optimization of anemia should be strongly considered as it is likely to reduce "anemia-associated burden" after arthroplasty.

Short-term outcomes of total knee arthroplasty performed with and without a tourniquet

INTRODUCTION

Not using a tourniquet could improve early postoperative pain, range of motion (ROM), length of stay (LOS), and thromboembolic risk in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Our aim was to compare these factors, intraoperative blood loss, and gender-related outcomes in patients undergoing primary TKA with or without a tourniquet.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 97 patients undergoing TKA with or without tourniquet from 2018 to 2020. Revisions and bilateral TKAs were excluded. Blood loss was estimated using a validated formula. Postoperative pain was tested using the visual analogue scale (VAS). ROM and quadriceps lag were assessed by a physiotherapist on a postoperative day 2 and discharge. The index of suspicion for a thromboembolic event was defined as the number of embolic-related investigations ordered in the first 6 months post-surgery. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the distribution of the data, Mann-Whitney for the continuous variables, and Fischer's test for the categorical ones.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

There was a significant difference in blood loss. The non-tourniquet group lost on average 32% more blood (1291 mL vs. 878 mL, p<0.001 two-tailed). We found no difference in pain, ROM, LOS, and quadriceps lag on day 2 and at discharge. There was one thromboembolic event in the tourniquet group, but the thromboembolic index of suspicion did not differ (p=0.53). With tourniquet use, women had a significantly lower day 2 maximum flexion than men (71.56° vs. 84.67°, p=0.02). In this retrospective cohort study, the results suggest that tourniquet use is associated with lower blood loss and similar postoperative pain, range of motion, quadriceps lag, length of stay, and thromboembolic risk. There might be some differences between how men and women tolerate a tourniquet, with women having worse short-term outcomes compared to men.

Direct superior approach for total hip arthroplasty

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical, radiological, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the first 100 consecutive patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) via a direct superior approach (DSA) with a matched group of patients undergoing THA by the same surgeon, using a posterolateral approach (PLA).

METHODS

This was a retrospective single surgeon study comparing the first 100 consecutive DSA THA patients with a matched group of patients using a standard PLA. Case notes were examined for patient demographics, length of hospital stay, operating time, intra- and postoperative complications, pain score, satisfaction score, and Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Leg length discrepancy and component positioning were measured from postoperative plain radiographs.

RESULTS

The DSA patients had a shorter length of hospital stay (mean 2.09 days (SD 1.20) DSA vs 2.74 days (SD 1.17) PLA; p < 0.001) and shorter time to discharge from the inpatient physiotherapy teams (mean 1.44 days (SD 1.17) DSA vs 1.93 days (SD 0.96) PLA; p < 0.001). There were no differences in operating time (p = 0.505), pain levels up to postoperative day 1 (p = 0.106 to p =0.242), OHS (p = 0.594 to p = 0.815), satisfaction levels (p = 0.066 to p = 0.299), stem alignment (p = 0.240), acetabular component inclination (p < 0.001) and anteversion (p < 0.001), or leg length discrepancy (p = 0.134).

CONCLUSION

While the DSA appears safe and was not associated with a significant difference in PROMs, radiological findings, or intraoperative or postoperative complications, a randomized controlled trial with functional outcomes in the postoperative phase is needed to evaluate this surgical approach formally. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(3):500-506.

Rapidly Progressive Osteoarthritis and Acetabular Bone Loss Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Primary Total Hip Replacement

Rapidly progressive osteoarthritis (RPO) is a rare condition which is poorly understood. Limited published literature is available. Reported here is a cohort of patients with RPO and acetabular bone loss who underwent primary THA. Risk factors, degree of acetabular bone loss and outcomes are presented. A typical case of RPO is described and investigations discussed. A retrospective audit was undertaken. 49 patients over an 18-year period were included. RPO patients were significantly older (P < 0.01) and had a lower BMI (P = 0.03). The mean acetabular bone loss in this cohort was 10.0 mm. Pathogenesis and risk factors for developing RPO remain unclear and future research is necessary. Repeat imaging in patients with deteriorating symptoms is important and urgent surgery is required maintain bone stock.

Do patients with von Willebrand disease exhibit higher blood loss and revision rates in hip and knee arthroplasty? A case-control study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to compare the perioperative blood loss, need for transfusion and one-year revision rates in patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty who also have a diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD) with a matched control group.

METHODS

A retrospective single-centre case-control study was conducted. Fifty-eight patients with VWD and 116 controls (1:2 match) who were operated for primary or revision hip and knee arthroplasty at our hospital were included. Blood loss, haemoglobin (Hb)-drop, need for blood transfusion, intraoperative complications and revision rates within one year were noted in all cases. Outcome measures for subgroups of the primary hip, primary knee, revision hip and revision knee procedures, were also analysed.

RESULTS

The mean perioperative Hb-drop was 3.47 (±1.27) g/dL and blood loss was 293 (±97) ml for the VWD group while Hb-drop was 2.85 (±1.21) g/dL and blood loss was 232 (±105) mL for the control group (P < .001). There were no significant increased transfusion rates (P = .264) and revision rates in the VWD group (P = .634). Patients having primary hip surgery had significantly higher Hb-drop (3.68 ± 1.25 g/dL vs 2.62 ± 1.19 g/dL; P = .003), higher blood loss (293 vs 203 mL; P = .002) and increased need for a transfusion (21% vs 2.6%; P = .038) compared to the controls. No outcome measure was found to be significantly different for primary and revision knee surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that patients with VWD undergoing primary or revision total hip and knee arthroplasty have higher levels of blood loss than the control cohort. Perioperative protective measures including meticulous surgical techniques should be considered.

Efficacy of a three-day prolonged-course of multiple-dose versus a single-dose of tranexamic acid in total hip and knee arthroplasty

Background

The application of tranexamic acid (TXA) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has brought momentous changes in blood management. However, the optimal regimen of TXA has not yet been identified. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of a three-day prolonged-course of multiple-dose of TXA with a single pre-operative dose of TXA in patients who undergo THA and TKA.

Method

We retrospectively analyzed two groups of consecutive patients who received primary unilateral THA and TKA from 2015 to 2017. One group received a three-day prolonged-course of multiple-dose of TXA, while another group received a single-dose of TXA. The primary outcomes included the changes in hemoglobin (Hb), estimated total blood loss (TBL), and transfusion rate; the secondary outcomes included the platelet (PLT) counts, inflammatory markers, and fibrinolysis parameters.

Results

A total of 193 THA and 166 TKA procedures were included for comparison. Compared with the patients who received a single-dose of TXA, the patients who received a three-day prolonged-course of multiple-dose of TXA had smaller post-operative drops in Hb levels, which led to consistently significantly higher Hb levels in both THA and TKA. Therefore, the use of multiple-dose of TXA was associated with significantly lower maximum Hb drops and estimated TBL in both THA (24.58±11.43 vs. 30.38±11.33 g/L, P=0.001; 685.88±412.02 vs. 968.94±479.9 mL, P<0.0001) and TKA (18.04±9.75 vs. 27.24±10.99 g/L, P<0.0001; 497.35±291.03 vs. 816.51±354.38 mL, P<0.0001), and marginally reduced transfusion requirements (THA: 1/65 vs. 10/128; TKA: 0/70 vs. 2/96). The multiple-dose group also showed higher PLT counts, continuously reduced inflammatory responses, and significantly and durably attenuated fibrinolytic responses.

Conclusions

A three-day prolonged-course of multiple-dose of TXA was consistently effective in reducing post-operative Hb drops, estimated TBL, inflammatory responses, and fibrinolytic responses, which could be recommended for clinical practice. However, these findings need to be confirmed by prospective studies.