RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Tranexamic Acid Use on Pain, Mobility and Bleeding Following Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty

This study is looking at how best to use a medicine called tranexamic acid (TXA) after hip or knee replacement surgery. TXA has been used safely for many years to help reduce bleeding during and after operations. We already know that TXA helps, but we want to find out if giving extra doses by mouth after surgery, in addition to the usual dose given during the operation, makes a difference. The main aim is to compare how much pain people have, how easily they can move around, how much they bleed, and how well their new joint works, depending on which way TXA is given. This could help make recovery from these surgeries even better.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

St. Mary's Research Center, Canada

Enrolment target

210

Start

20 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2027

Postoperative Bleeding

What is this study about?

Hip and knee replacement operations are very common, especially for older people who have joint pain and stiffness from arthritis. These operations usually go well, but it's normal to have some bleeding, pain, and stiffness afterwards. Doctors are always looking for ways to make recovery smoother and quicker, especially as more people are going home sooner after surgery.

Tranexamic acid, or TXA, is a medicine that helps your blood to clot and reduces bleeding. It's been around since the 1960s and has a long history of safe use in many types of surgery, including hip and knee replacements. We know it works well to reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusions.

Currently, people usually get a dose of TXA through a drip during their hip or knee replacement. This study wants to see if giving extra doses of TXA by mouth after the operation, on top of the usual drip dose, can further help with things like pain, how well you can move around, and how much bleeding you have. By comparing these different ways of giving TXA, we hope to find the best approach to help people recover faster and more comfortably after their surgery.

Key takeaways

The study is about improving recovery after hip and knee replacement surgery.
It tests different ways of giving a common anti-bleeding medicine called TXA.
The goal is to see if extra TXA reduces pain and improves movement.
Participation involves either standard TXA or standard plus extra oral TXA.
Your progress will be checked for about 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult having your first hip or knee replacement surgery at St-Mary's Hospital.

However, some people won't be able to join. This includes if you are under 18, or if you've had a bad reaction to TXA before. You also can't take part if you've had blood clots in the past, have certain types of cancer (not including minor skin cancers), or have serious kidney problems. If you have a history of seizures, have trouble distinguishing colours, or can't use a specific phone app called MyMobility, you also won't be able to participate. Finally, if you can't communicate in either English or French, you wouldn't be able to join this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult having your first hip or knee replacement at St-Mary's Hospital?
Have you ever had a bad reaction to TXA, or been told you have a blood clotting disorder?
Do you have serious kidney problems, certain cancers, or a history of seizures?
Can you use a phone app called MyMobility and communicate in English or French?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will be given TXA during your hip or knee replacement surgery, as is standard practice. After your operation, you will be put into one of two groups by chance – like flipping a coin. One group will continue to receive the standard TXA treatment. The other group will receive additional doses of TXA by mouth after surgery on top of the standard dose. During your recovery, we will check things like any visible bleeding on your dressings, how easily you can move around (like how many steps you take), and your pain levels. You will also complete questionnaires about your joint's function and how far you can move your hip or knee at about four to six weeks after your surgery. The total duration of your active participation will be until your four to six-week follow-up.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of taking part in this study is that the additional TXA doses might lead to less pain, less bleeding, and better movement after your surgery. However, there's no guarantee this will happen. While TXA is generally safe, like all medicines, it can have side effects, though serious ones are rare. The study is designed to be as safe as possible. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

St. Mary's Hospital Center
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is tranexamic acid (TXA)?

TXA is a medicine that helps your blood clot, reducing bleeding during and after operations.

Why is this study being done?

We want to find out if giving extra doses of TXA after hip or knee replacement surgery helps reduce pain, bleeding, and improves how well people move.

Will I know if I'm getting the extra TXA doses?

No, you won't know which group you are in. This helps ensure the study results are fair and unbiased.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be involved from your surgery until your follow-up appointment about four to six weeks later.

What if I decide I don't want to be in the study anymore?

You can leave the study at any time, and it won't affect the care you receive from your doctors.

How to find out more

Jennifer Mutch, MDCM, FRCSC

j.mutch.ortho@gmail.com 514 345 3511 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.