Objective:To assess the impact of different administration methods of tranexamic acid on total blood loss volume following primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Methods:Totally 70 patients receiving unilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomly divided into 3 groups. Tranexamic acid was given intra-articularly at the end of the operation in group A(24 patients)and intravenously as well as intra-articularly in group B(23 patients). Meanwhile

intra-articular injection of saline solution was performed in group C(23 patients). Total blood loss volume

transfusion rate

drainage volume

lower limb diameter(thigh and calf girth)

D-dimer as well as thrombelastogram of 3 groups were measured and compared. Results:Total blood loss volumes were(541±210)

(456±216)ml and(731 ±179) ml for three groups

respectively. Drainage volumes were(104 ±44)

(98 ±48) ml and(160 ±60) ml for each group. Both total blood loss volume and drainage volume were significantly higher in group C than the other two groups(P<0.05)

while no significant difference was demonstrated between group A and group B(P >0.05). For other parameters like transfusion rate

lower limb diameter and deep venous thrombosis rate

no difference was detected among those 3 groups(P >0.05). Conclusion:Sequential application of intra-articular and intravenous tranexamic acid could reduce

though not significantly

blood loss volume and drainage volume than intra-articular injection alone. No significant difference has been found in terms of transfusion rate

lower limb diameter

and deep venous thrombosis rate following two different application methods.