Outcomes of knee replacement patients using autotransfusion

BACKGROUND: More than 500,000 total knee replacements are performed annually in the United States, of which approximately 30% to 50% utilized autotransfusion. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to describe the difference in patient outcomes between autotransfusion and allogenic blood recipients who have a total knee replacement. DESIGN: A descriptive study using retrospective chart review (N = 115) was conducted. RESULTS: Those receiving autotransfusion had a significant shorter length of stay. No difference in hemoglobin or discharge site was found between those receiving autotransfusion and those receiving allogenic blood. Lower weight and increased age were associated with discharge to an inpatient rehabilitation unit.