Introduction:

Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic drug which has been used in many disciplines of Medicine, as well as in Orthopaedics and Traumatology, with the objective of diminishing and preventing blood loss and the necessity of allogenic blood transfusion. This study has the objective to demonstrate the uses, indications and contraindications of tranexamic acid in the different subspecialties of Orthopaedics and Traumatology.

Material and methods:

A through search was performed looking at the most recent evidence regarding the use of tranexamic acid in the different subspecialties of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, as well as its indications, contraindications and adverse effects.

Results:

Tranexamic acid has a great amount of applications in Orthopaedics and Traumatology, especially in primary and revision knee and hip arthroplasties, spine surgery and trauma. It has been observed that tranexamic acid is effective in diminishing perioperative bleeding, less necessity of blood transfusion, among other benefits. Tranexamic acid is a safe drug, which does not increase the risk of developing thrombotic events in healthy patients. There are a number of administration routes of tranexamic acid as well as many dosage regimens, all being efficient. Therefore, no standardization regarding the best administration route and most effective dose has been established.

Conclusions:

Tranexamic acid is a safe and effective drug for diminishing perioperative bleeding and to avoid the necessity of blood transfusion, with many applications in Orthopaedics and Traumatology.