Effects of Tranexamic Acid on Joint Health After ACL Injury
Official title: Novel Strategies to Combat Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis (PTOA):The Effects of Tranexamic Acid on Joint Inflammation and Cartilage Health in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injured Patients
Run by Stanford University · NCT03552705 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether Tranexamic Acid can help young adults with ACL injuries have better joint health and reduce inflammation after their injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2019 |
| Main results expected | January 14, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 14, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03552705 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-30 who have sustained a unilateral ACL injury within the last four days and exhibit joint effusion or hemarthrosis.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with inflammatory arthritis, pre-existing osteoarthritis, or those requiring immediate surgical intervention for other knee injuries may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) on joint inflammation and cartilage health in patients who have suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. TXA is an FDA-approved medication that reduces bleeding and may help prevent post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) by minimizing inflammation following ACL reconstruction. The study aims to enroll patients aged 18-30 who are within four days of their ACL injury and have joint effusion or hemarthrosis. Participants will receive either TXA or a placebo to assess the effectiveness of TXA in improving joint health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the risk of developing arthritis in young patients after ACL injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of TXA in surgical settings is established, this specific application for preventing PTOA in ACL injuries is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age 18-30 years * within 4 days of unilateral ACL injury * presence of effusion/hemarthrosis. Exclusion Criteria: * inflammatory arthritis, radiographic osteoarthritis (K-L Grade 2 or higher), gout/ pseudogout * systemic or acute illness requiring medications * concomitant knee injury aside from meniscus tear and MCL tear not requiring surgery * prior surgery to either knee * prior injury to either knee requiring crutches * history of thromboembolic disease * current use of combination hormonal contraception * chronic NSAID use * cortisone injection to either knee within the prior 3 months * not indicated for or unable to undergo ACLR within 3 months of injury
Where it's running
-
Stanford University
Stanford, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Constance Chu, MD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Christine L Hoang, BS
- Email: c1hoang@stanford.edu
- Phone: 650-721-7612
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Analgesic effects of adding BiFeS block to adductor canal block after ACL reconstruction
This study tests whether adding a BiFeS block to the standard adductor canal block provides better pain relief after ACL reconstruction.
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Donor ankle sensorimotor recovery after ACL reconstruction with a peroneus longus graft
This study tests how the donor ankle recovers sensorimotor function after ACL reconstruction using a peroneus longus tendon autograft in adults 18–55.
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ACL Tear: Reconstruction vs Primary Repair outcomes after surgery
This study tests how patients who had ACL reconstruction compare with those who had arthroscopic primary ACL repair in terms of strength, endurance, fatigue, knee stability, and function after surgery.
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Fractal versus steady visual walking cues after ACL reconstruction
This tests whether fractal (variable) visual walking cues or steady metronome-like cues help athletes who had ACL reconstruction walk with steadier, safer patterns.
-
Brain-computer visualization training to improve muscle activation after orthopedic surgery
This tests whether adding EEG-based neurofeedback visualization to usual physical therapy helps adults recovering from ACL, hip, or knee surgery activate their muscles better and speed recovery.
-
Eccentric training for rehabilitation after ACL surgery
This study is testing if a special type of exercise called eccentric training helps people recover better after ACL surgery compared to regular rehab exercises.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.