Topical administration of tranexamic acid in primary total hip and total knee arthroplasty.

Major blood loss is a known potential complication in total hip and total knee arthroplasty. We conducted a prospective, stratified, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that evaluated 100 patients undergoing total knee or total hip arthroplasty to evaluate the effect on blood loss using the topical application of tranexamic acid. Participants received either 2 g of topical tranexamic acid or the equivalent volume of placebo into the joint prior to surgical closure.