Tranexamic Acid Injection With Different Drainage Clamping Time After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Post-anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) hemarthrosis may result in increased pain thus delaying postoperative rehabilitation, which may eventually lead to arthrofibrosis and a functional deficit. Many antifibrinolytic agents, including tranexamic acid (TXA), have been used in orthopedic surgeries to reduce postoperative bleeding. Moreover, TXA was proved effective to reduced the events of hemarthrosis and increased the post-operative functional outcomes of the patients in several studies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular injection of TXA with different drainage clamping time in patients receiving arthroscopic ACLRs. Patients were randomized into four groups. An intra-articular suction drain was placed recorded 24 h postoperatively. Group 1 patients(TXA 4hr group) received the index procedures with a 10 mL intra-articular injection of TXA and following drainage clamped 4 hours. Group 2 patients(TXA 8hr group) received the index procedures with a 10 mL intra-articular injection of TXA and following drainage clamped 8 hours. Clinical evaluations using an IKDC functional score and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score were performed during admission, at postoperative day 3 and week 4.