Abstract:Objective To compare the effectiveness of intravenous and intra-articular regimens of Tranexamic Acid in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirement during the total knee arthroplasty. Methods Eighty consecutive patients, who planned to undergo total knee arthroplasty due to degenerative arthritis of knee joint, were randomly divided in two groups. The patients in group 1 received intravenous Tranexamic Acid while those in group 2 received intra-articular Tranexamic Acid. The patients in the group 1 were totally given 3 intravenous injections before, during and after operation. For the patients in the group 2, 3 g of Tranexamic Acid diluted in 100 ml normal saline were injected intra-articularly before tourniquet release. Drainage volume was noted in 24 and 48 h after surgery and the total amount of fluid was recorded. Hemoglobin (Hb) was recorded 48 h after surgery, and blood transfusion and thromboembolic event were assessed. Results All the surgeries were well performed. No complication such as infection, necrosis or fat liquefection was observed. The mean Hb fall was (2.42 ±0.86) mg/dl and the mean 48-h drainage volume was (409.5 ±185.8) ml in the group 1. The mean Hb decrease was (2.21 ±0.64) mg/dl and the mean 48-h drainage volume was (386.5 ±89.1) ml in the group 2. There was no significant difference in the mean Hb fall or the mean drainage volume between the two groups (P > 0.05). Three patients in the group 1 and 4 patients in the group 2 received blood transfusion (1 unit each), the difference was not significant between the two groups. Color Doppler ultrasonography of the lower extremities did not show any venous thrombus on the 14th day after surgery. Conclusions Intra -articular injection of Tranexamic Acid has the same effect as three -dose intravenous regimen in reducing blood loss during total knee arthroplasty.