Tranexamic Acid in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Scoping Review of Current Practices and Future Directions

The effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TXA) as an antifibrinolytic agent in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is well documented; however, there remains considerable practice variability concerning the optimal route of administration and dosing protocols concerning the medication's use. Our aim was to conduct a scoping review of the literature regarding the efficacy of various methods of TXA administration in TSA and to identify knowledge gaps that may be addressed.

A scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. The PubMed and MEDLINE electronic databases were searched to identify all articles published before March 2023 investigating the administration of TXA in TSA. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were included, and data were extracted to capture information regarding intervention details and related outcomes such as blood loss, transfusion needs, and complication rates.

A total of 15 studies were included in this review. All selected studies used either intravenous (IV) or topical TXA, with 1 study also including a combined approach of both topical and IV TXA. Of the studies that used an IV approach, the most commonly reported favorable outcomes were a reduction in blood volume loss, reduction in hemoglobin or hematocrit change, and decreased drain output. Dosing varied significantly between all identified studies because some used a standard dosing amount in grams or milligrams for all treatment group participants, whereas others used weight-based dosing amounts. All studies that used a weight-based dosing regimen as well as studies using a standard dosing amount between 1,000 and 5,000 mg reported favorable outcomes for postoperative blood loss.

Both IV and topical TXA clearly demonstrate favorable perioperative hematologic profiles in TSA. Although both approaches have demonstrated a successful association with decreased blood loss and transfusion requirements, there is no definitive benefit to choosing one over the other. Furthermore, the use of oral TXA either in combination or isolation warrants further study in TSA because of its comparable efficacy profiles and significantly lower associated costs of application.