2017 ISAKOS Congress : Comparison of topical and intravenous tranexamic acid on efficacy and safety in primary total knee arthroplasty, a meta-analysis

Eight randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of topical and intravenous tranexamic acid for use in total knee arthroplasty. Total blood loss, postoperative blood loss, hemoglobin (Hb) drop, transfusion rate, and the incidence of complications were pooled. No significant differences between groups were noted, with the exception of Hb drop at 24 hours. Despite the difference observed at 24 hours, Hb drop did not significantly differ at 48 hours between topical and IV groups.