Iron Substitution After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Hip and knee arthroplasties are performed with increasing frequency in the western world, and in Denmark approximately 12,000 operations are performed annually (2/1000/year). The perioperative and postoperative blood loss generally constitutes ½ -1½ litres which is frequently associated with symptom-producing anaemia which obstructs mobilisation and increases the risk of complications. Postoperative iron supplementation for a period of up to 12 weeks is therefore a frequently adopted practice. However, there is no consensus or evidence that support postoperative iron supplementation and the effects of iron deficiency are unclear. It is well-known that iron supplementation causes gastrointestinal adverse effects in up to 25% of cases.