BackgroundHidden blood loss is a major concern for patients undergoing hip surgery for intertrochanteric fracture. The objective of this study was to investigate whether tranexamic acid (TXA) could reduce postoperative hidden blood loss in patients undergoing hip surgery for intertrochanteric fracture.MethodsA total of 77 patients with intertrochanteric fracture were enrolled in this randomized controlled study. Patients received either 200 mL (1 g) of TXA (n = 37) or normal-saline (NS) (n = 40) i.v. before hip surgery using proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA). Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were measured preoperatively and postoperatively at day 1 and 3. Visible and hidden blood loss volumes were calculated at postoperative day 3.ResultsOn postoperative day 3, the transfusion rate was significantly lower in the TXA group compared to the NS group, although mean hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the estimated hidden blood loss volume (210.09 ± 202.14 mL vs. 359.35 ± 290.12 mL; P < 0.05) and total blood loss volume (279.35 ± 209.11 mL vs. 417.89 ± 289.56 mL; P < 0.05) were significantly less in the TXA group compared to the NS group, respectively.ConclusionTXA significantly reduced postoperative hidden blood loss in patients with intertrochanteric fracture who underwent PFNA.(Registration number: ChiCTR-INR-16008134).

The aim of this study was to assess Physical Component Summary (PCS), Mental Component Summary (MCS) of the Mos 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) score, and the virtual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain during the treatment period and the complication rate associated with infected nonunion of the tibia managed surgically by bone transport.This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in a consecutive patient cohort. Patients suffering from infected nonunion of the tibia were treated by bone transport from 2012 to 2014. Follow-up was for at least 2 years after complete osseous consolidation. Standardized treatment included bacterial eradication by segmental resection, bone transport using Ilizarov apparatus, and docking maneuver. The main outcome measurements consisted of the quality of life (PCS and MCS scores) and the VAS of pain during the different stages of therapy. In addition, all complications were documented.Our series comprised 12 men and 3 women with an average age of 36.9 years (range: 20–55 years). All patients previously undergone an average of 2.9 operations (range: 1–6 operations). In all patients, bone defects were present with a mean size of 7.5 cm (range: 3–12 cm), and all patients were suffering from soft tissue defects (range: 5–17 cm2). The mean external fixator time (EFT) was 48 weeks (range: 30–62 weeks) and the mean external fixation index was 43.1 days/cm (range: 33–62 days/cm). All patients achieved bone union, and no recurrence of infection was observed. According to the Paley classification, patients suffered 15 minor and 13 major complications. The average complication rate per patient comprised of 1.0 minor and 0.9 major complications. Bone grafting was required in 6 cases at the docking site. One patient suffered from equinus deformity, and refused any further surgical procedures. We performed 28 operations in 15 patients (average 1.9 operations per patient). After the period of bone transport, PCS and MCS scores increased continuously. After completed consolidation, the average MCS score was comparable to a normal collective, and the average VAS score was 1.87 (range: 0–3).Bone transport is a safe option for the treatment of infected nonunion of the tibia despite the high complication rate. The arduous and demanding nature of this treatment subjects patient to considerable the pain, mental, and physical stress. The average VAS scores, PCS, and MCS scores significantly improve at final follow-up. It is essential to communicate this fact to the patients and their relatives before the application of the frame in order to increase their compliance with the long and emotionally draining treatment.