Is there an optimal timing of administration of single-dose intravenous tranexamic acid in bilateral total knee arthroplasty? A comparison between preoperative and intraoperative dose.

Purpose: There is no consensus on the optimum timing of administration of tranexamic acid (TA) in bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We aimed to determine whether the timing of administration of single-dose intravenous TA (either given preoperatively or intraoperatively) has a significant effect on blood loss reduction.

Methods: We compared two cohorts of patients with end-stage arthritis of knees who underwent bilateral TKA and were given single-dose intravenous TA (1 g or 15 mg/kg) at different times during surgery.

Predictors of change in 'discharge destination' following treatment for fracture neck of femur.

Objectives: The purpose of our study was to analyse the incidence and factors predicting the 'change in discharge destination' in patients with fractured neck of femur who were treated surgically.

Materials And Methods: Fifteen hundred and seventy-three consecutive patients admitted with a fractured neck of femur, residing in their own home prior to admission were studied. Patients who did not have an operation (n=70) for their hip fracture were excluded from the study.

In-hospital complications following primary total hip and knee arthroplasty in octogenarian and nonagenarian patients.

Background: As life expectancy of patients increases, more elderly patients are undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There is a general perception of increased risk of complications in elderly patients. Our objective was to analyse the incidence of in-hospital medical and surgical complications following THA and TKA in octogenarian and nonagenarians.

The management of wounds following primary lower limb arthroplasty: a prospective, randomised study comparing hydrofibre and central pad dressings.

Wound care following lower limb arthroplasty has not been subject to in-depth clinical research, primarily because such wounds usually heal without complication. However, when prosthetic implants are used, serious wound problems can be disastrous (Whitehouse et al. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2002;23:183-9; Lindwell OM.