Comparing the efficacy of intravenous or intra-articular tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss in simultaneous bilateral knee replacement surgery without the use of tourniquet.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of intravenous or intra-articular route of administration of tranexamic acid in reducing the blood loss in simultaneous bilateral total knee replacement surgeries performed without the use of tourniquets.

METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 30 consecutive patients grouped into two groups; Group 1: intravenous group and group 2: intra-articular group. Two outcome measures were studied; mean drop in post-operative haemoglobin and need for blood transfusion in both groups.

RESULTS: No significant difference in mean drop of haemoglobin and need for blood transfusion in both groups.

CONCLUSION: Route of administration of tranexamic acid does not influence on the mean drop of haemoglobin and need for blood transfusion in simultaneous bilateral total knee replacement surgeries performed without the use of tourniquet.