Transfusion rates with intravenous tranexamic acid in total hip arthroplasty performed using the direct anterior approach

Introduction:Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Most studies have focused on TXA in THA performed using a posterior approach (PA) or lateral approach. The aim of this study was to analyse the efficacy of TXA in patients undergoing THA using the direct anterior approach (DAA).Patients and methods:Using our institutional database, a retrospective analysis was conducted on consecutive primary THA performed for osteoarthritis to determine transfusion rates in patients undergoing THA with the DAA with and without TXA.Results:146 consecutive THA were performed using DAA: 83 (56.8%) patients had TXA and 63 (43.2%) did not have TXA. Among patients who had TXA, 1 patient required a blood transfusion compared to 7 patients among those who did not have TXA (1.2% vs. 11.12%, p = 0.02). The relative risk of 0.11 (95% confidence interval 0.01–0.86) indicates an 89% reduction in the risk of requiring blood transfusio...