Optimizing antibiotic use during knee replacement surgery

Effect of Tourniquet on Local Tissue Concentrations of Cefazolin During Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre · NCT05604157

This study is testing how different factors during knee replacement surgery affect the delivery of an antibiotic to help prevent infections after the surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorMcGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (other)
Locations1 site (Montréal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT05604157 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of tourniquet application on the distribution of cefazolin, an antibiotic, in the tissues during total knee arthroplasty. The study aims to understand how factors such as the timing of antibiotic administration, patient weight, and surgery duration affect local tissue concentrations of the drug. By optimizing antibiotic delivery, the trial seeks to reduce the risk of periprosthetic joint infections, which can lead to serious complications and the need for additional surgeries.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-85 who require a primary total knee replacement due to conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Not a fit: Patients with severe allergies to cefazolin, severe renal dysfunction, MRSA colonization, or those requiring revision surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of infections following knee arthroplasty, improving patient outcomes and recovery times.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific effects of tourniquet application on antibiotic concentrations during knee arthroplasty have not been extensively studied, related research on antibiotic prophylaxis in surgical settings has shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults ages 18-85 who require a primary total knee replacement
* Any gender
* Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe allergy to antibiotic used in the study
* Severe renal dysfunction (eGFR \< 30 ml/min)
* Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization
* participants who require revision surgery

Where this trial is running

Montréal, Quebec

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Infections Joint Prosthetic, Cefazolin, Tourniquet, Arthroplasty

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.