Surgical orthopedic correction of hemophilic hemarthrosis at Ramathibodi Hospital.

During 1982-1992, 15 major surgical orthopedic correction (SOC) were performed in 12 hemophiliacs. There were 11 synovectomy, 2 osteotomy, 1 currettage and suture wound, 1 release of multiple joint contracture and 1 removal of pseudotumour. During 1982-1989, frozen cryoprecipitate was entirely used for replacement therapy in 5 cases who had 7 SOC. During 1990-1992, 7 cases received SOC by using factor VIII concentrate (Emoclot or Profilate) alone or combined with cryoprecipitate in 8 SOC. Multiple surgical procedures could be performed by using factor VIII concentrates. The orthopedist could operate 3 joints in one setting ie right knee, left knee and right middle finger. There are many advantages of factor VIII concentrates over those of cryoprecipitate, especially in the aspect of HIV transmission by HIV seronegative blood products. The disadvantage is the extremely high cost of factor concentrates.