Background: Tranexamic acid has been found to reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusions in knee arthroplasty. In hip arthroplasty, the benefit of tranexamic acid is not as clear.
Patients and methods: In a randomized, double-blind study, 39 patients with primary cemented hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis were divided into two groups; one receiving tranexamic acid and the other not receiving it. Tranexamic acid was given in a dose of 10 mg/kg before the operation and twice thereafter, at 8-hour intervals.
Results and interpretation: Total blood loss was smaller in the tranexamic acid group than in the control group. No thromboembolic complications were noticed. Tranexamic acid appears to be an effective and economic drug for reduction of blood loss in cemented primary hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.