Tranexamic Acid: When is It Indicated in Orthopaedic Surgery?

Abstract

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been studied extensively during the last 5–8 years. It inhibits clot dissolution during surgery and can therefore reduce blood loss. However, there has been concern that this could result in more frequent complications, specifically in terms of thromboembolic events. The indications for TXA are widespread, and this review covers the literature on orthopaedic indications such as joint replacement, fracture surgery, and arthroscopic procedures. In general, TXA is safe and can be used in a wide variety of orthopaedic procedures, lowering blood loss without increasing the risk of complications.

Zusammenfassung

In den letzten 5–8 Jahren gab es umfangreiche Forschungen zu Tranexamsäure (TXA). Die Vorteile von TXA liegen in ihrer Fähigkeit, die Auflösung von Blutgerinnseln während der Operation zu hemmen und somit den Blutverlust zu reduzieren. Es gab jedoch Bedenken, dass dies zu häufigeren Komplikationen führen könnte, insbesondere in Bezug auf thromboembolische Ereignisse. Die Indikationen für TXA sind weit verbreitet. Dieser Artikel beschränkt sich daher auf die Literaturrecherche zu orthopädischen Indikationen wie Gelenkersatz, Frakturchirurgie und arthroskopischen Verfahren. Der Artikel kommt zu dem Schluss, dass TXA im Allgemeinen sicher ist und bei einer Vielzahl von orthopädischen Eingriffen eingesetzt werden kann und den Blutverlust senkt, ohne das Risiko von Komplikationen zu erhöhen.

Schlüsselwörter

Tranexamsäure - orthopädische Chirurgie - Transfusion - Blutverlust - Thromboembolie - Gelenkersatz - Fraktur - Arthroskopie

Keywords

Tranexamic acid - orthopaedic - surgery - transfusion - blood loss - thromboembolic - joint replacement - fracture - arthroscopy

Publication History

Received: 11 July 2021

Accepted: 29 September 2021

Article published online:
13 December 2021

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