The comparative efficacies of intravenous administration and intra-articular injection of tranexamic acid during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction for reducing postoperative hemarthrosis: a prospective randomized study

Abstract Background Hemarthrosis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can create many adverse joint effects. Tranexamic acid (TXA) be used to minimize hemarthrosis and associated pain ACL reconstruction. We aimed compare the efficacies of intravenous (IV) administration intra-articular (IA) injection TXA during for reducing postoperative hemarthrosis. Methods A total 120 patients who underwent arthroscopic were included in this prospective randomized study. All into three groups: IV group, IA group placebo group. Patients received intravenously administered (15 mg/kg 100 mL saline solution) 10 min before tourniquet release; injected via drainage tube; an equivalent volume normal knee cavity intravenously. Drainage tubes removed 24 h surgery, all enrolled experienced a 4-week follow-up period. The drain output volume, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, patellar circumference, grade Lysholm score recorded. Results Both had significantly lower volumes at day 1, VAS scores weeks 1 2, smaller circumferences grades 2 than ( p < 0.05). There no significant differences circumference or between any time point > No obvious observed pair groups week 4 0.05)). Neither infection nor deep vein thrombosis occurred Conclusions reduce hemarthrosis, swelling difference was found injection. Trial registration study registered by Chinese Clinical Registry (The comparative tranexamic reconstruction; ChiCTR-INR-17012217 ; August 2017).