The utilization of tranexamic acid in orthopaedic procedures and gap in research for its benefits conferred in hip arthroscopy: a literature review

Abstract

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a commonly used drug that has many uses within multiple medical fields. Within orthopedics, TXA has been used heavily because of the benefits it confers for reducing perioperative bleeding and preventing reductions in hemoglobin/ hematocrit. However, despite these advantages, no set indications for the use of TXA have been defined. The authors performed a literature review assessing current literature for TXA use in knee arthroscopy, shoulder arthroscopy, and hip arthroscopy. Articles were searched in Google Scholar using a combination of keywords including, "tranexamic acid," "arthroscopy," "arthroplasty," "hip," "knee," and "shoulder." The authors reviewed 17 articles that were current and relevant to the use of TXA in arthroscopic procedures based on a focus-grouped discussion. The use of TXA for arthroscopic procedures is growing in both clinical orthopaedic practice and the literature. Although numerous benefits have been noted in knee arthroscopy and shoulder arthroscopy, a paucity of literature on TXA effects in hip arthroscopy still exists, and the topic warrants exploration.