Transfusion Mortality and Morbidity in Orthopedic Surgery

Abstract

n the United States, more than 13 million red blood cell units are collected annually, and 11 million units are transfused to 3.4 million patients

Limits of Bloodless Surgery: Surgical Aspects

“…Studies have shown no difference in patient function after total hip arthroplasty between groups with postoperative Hb levels of 9-10 g/dL and 10-12 g/dL. 3 It is possible to predict with some accuracy the need for transfusion after hip and knee arthroplasty. Bierbaum, in a study of nearly 10,000 patients, found a transfusion rate of approximately 50%.…”