Effect of topical tranexamic acid on post-traumatic elbow stiffness in patients treated with open arthrolysis: a prospective comparative study

Abstract

Elbow joint open arthrolysis is an effective method to release contracted tissue and débride heterotopic ossification in cases of post-traumatic elbow stiffness. Recurrence remains one of the most common concerns for surgeons. Soft tissue contracture may result from intra- and/or extra-articular bleeding, edema, effusion, and granulation. The increasing incidence of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding has caused uncertainty about surgical outcomes. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is effective for reducing surgery-related bleeding and effusions in total hip or knee arthroplasty. To investigate whether topical TXA can decrease blood loss and effusions in patients treated with elbow joint open arthrolysis and whether it affects final function. A prospective comparative study was conducted. Sixty-one patients with joint stiffness were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups: one consisting of 31 patients treated with topical TXA intraoperatively after open arthrolysis (experimental group)and the other consisting of 30 patients who received saline administration (control group). The operation time, tourniquet time, and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. Drainage volume, elbow rotation, elbow motion arc, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and operation-related complications were followed up and recorded, whereas hematoma volume remaining in the joint space after drainage tube removal was assessed on ultrasonography. Tourniquet time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative drainage were significantly lower in the TXA group than in the control group. However, no significant intergroup differences were found in the incidence of related complications and final function evaluated at the final follow-up. Topical TXA improves surgical quality by controlling intraoperative bleeding, decreases the amount of blood loss soon after surgery, and could become a routine procedure in elbow joint open arthrolysis.