RecruitingPhase 2

The Effects of Tranexamic Acid on Joint Inflammation and Cartilage Health in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injured Patients

United States50 participantsStarted 2019-08-01

Plain-language summary

Patients who tear their ACL are at high risk for developing arthritis (post-traumatic osteoarthritis-PTOA) just 10 years later. Joint bleeding and inflammation contribute to deterioration of joint health. This study will determine whether treatment with Tranexamic Acid (TXA), an FDA approved medication that reduces bleeding right after ACL injury and reconstructive surgery reduces inflammation and improves joint health as a new strategy to prevent or delay the onset of PTOA.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 30 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

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

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Synovial fluid IL-1

Timeframe: Day 5

Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO): Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)

Timeframe: 6 months post-ACLR

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03552705

SponsorStanford University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-01-14

Contact for this trial

Christine L Hoang, BS

650-721-7612 c1hoang@stanford.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction trials