Orthopedic Surgery Transfusion Hemoglobin European Overview (OSTHEO) study: blood management in elective knee and hip arthroplasty in Europe.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess current practices in blood management in elective orthopedic surgery in Europe.

Study Design And Methods: For this 225-center prospective survey, data were collected on 3996 patients. Actual perioperative blood loss was compared to preoperative estimates.