Intraarticular Injection of Tranexamic Acid Reduced Postoperative Hemarthrosis in Arthroscopic 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.The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of intra-articular injection of TXA in patients receiving arthroscopic ACLRs. Patients were randomized into two groups. Group 1 patients (TXA group) received the index procedures with a 10 mL intra-articular injection of TXA. Group 2 (control group) patients received the index procedures without TXA injections. An intra-articular suction drain was placed recorded 24 h postoperatively. Clinical evaluations using an IKDC functional score, range of motion (ROM), and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score were performed at postoperative day 3 and week 4.