Cost benefit analysis of topical tranexamic acid in primary total hip and knee arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to provide a cost-benefit analysis of topical tranexamic acid (TXA) in primary total hip and knee arthroplasty patients. A retrospective cohort of 591 consecutive patients, 311 experimental and 280 control, revealed a transfusion rate reduction from 17.5% to 5.5%, increased postoperative hemoglobin, and decreased delta hemoglobin without an increase in adverse events (all P < 0.001). This led to saving $83.73 per patient based on transfusion costs alone after accounting for the cost of TXA. Hospital disposition to home compared to subacute nursing facility was also significantly increased by 9.3% (P < 0.02). We conclude that topical TXA reduces transfusion rate, increases home disposition, and reduces cost in primary hip and knee arthroplasty.