The role of tranexamic acid and cryotherapy on acute postoperative pain and blood loss: a randomized controlled study following total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: Blood loss and pain management are significant concerns in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Tranexamic acid (TA) and cryotherapy have been used separately to address these issues, but their comparative effectiveness is not well studied. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous TA and cryotherapy in reducing blood loss and improving clinical outcomes after TKA.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial with 76 patients assigned to three groups: Group 1 received pre- and postoperative cryotherapy, Group 2 received intravenous tranexamic acid (TA), and Group 3 (control) received a standard cold pack. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), prothrombin time, international normalized ratio (INR), knee flexion and extension angles, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were monitored preoperatively and postoperatively at 6, 24, and 48 h.

Results: The mean age of patients was 65 ± 7 years. The tranexamic acid group showed significantly lower blood loss compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Knee flexion and extension angles were significantly better in the cryotherapy group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). VAS pain scores were significantly lower in the cryotherapy group at all time points compared to both the tranexamic acid and control groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Both tranexamic acid and cryotherapy are effective in reducing blood loss and improving clinical outcomes following TKA. Tranexamic acid significantly reduces blood loss, while cryotherapy effectively manages postoperative pain and range of motion. These methods can enhance patient recovery after TKA.