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The Role of Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Post Operative Hand Edema After Hand and Wrist Surgery

The Role of Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Post Operative Hand Edema After Hand and Wrist Surgery (THAW): A Prospective, Randomized Controlled, Double-Blinded Pilot Study

Status
UNKNOWN
Phases
Phase 4
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04907812
Acronym
THAW
Enrollment
50
Registered
2021-06-01
Start date
2021-06-01
Completion date
2022-06-01
Last updated
2021-06-01

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Distal Radius Fracture, Dupuytren Contracture, Hand Injuries and Disorders

Keywords

swelling, edema, distal radius fracture, dupuytren, Tranexamic Acid

Brief summary

Hand edema following hand surgery is a common yet devastating side effect that can lead to early stiffness, prolonged rehabilitation and diminished function. These factors can reduce a patient's quality of life; mounting to an overall delay in recovery, return to work and daily activities. Conventional edema therapy includes cryotherapy, external compression, active and passive exercises and various types of massage. However, there is little evidence to suggest these modalities are effective. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic that has been used in surgical disciplines for decades to aid in reducing intraoperative blood loss and consequent transfusions. Recently, the use of TXA for curbing post-operative edema and ecchymosis has shown promising results, however, its use in hand surgery has not been studied.

Interventions

DRUGTranexamic acid

Patients will receive 1 gram dose of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid mixed with 50cc 0.9% sodium chloride before your surgery and 1 gram dose of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid mixed with 50cc 0.9% sodium chloride 3-6 hours after your first dose on the day of your surgery

PROCEDURESurgery

This will include regional anaesthesia, tourniquet inflation to 250mmHg and perioperative antibiotics. At the conclusion of the procedure hemostasis will be achieved followed by standard closure technique. There will be three separate surgical groups that will undergo the outlined study protocol: 1) Distal radius fractures will be treated with open reduction from a volar approach only technique 2) Mild dupuytren's: a. Low: i. MCP joints \<50 contracture ii. PIP joints \<40 contracture b. 1-2 fingers involved 3) Severe dupuytren's a. High: i. MCP joints \>50 degree contracture ii. PIP Joints \>40 degrees contracture b. \>2 fingers involved

Sponsors

Ruby Grewal
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Intervention model description

A Prospective, Randomized Controlled, Double-Blinded Pilot Study

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* All patients \>18 years old undergoing distal radius fracture open reduction and internal fixation through a volar approach at St. Joseph's hospital in London, Ontario * All patients \>18 years old undergoing open fasciectomy for Dupuytren's disease at St. Joseph's hospital in London, Ontario

Exclusion criteria

* Revision surgery * Distal radius fractures treated with additive or alternative approaches and fixation to the volar approach * Known history of lymphedema or lymph node dissection on either upper extremity * Known allergic reaction to TXA * Cardiovascular problems (history of myocardial infraction, angina, and atrial fibrillation) * Cerebrovascular conditions (history of previous stroke) * Thromboembolic disorders (history of deep vein thrombosis \[DVT\] or pulmonary embolism \[PE\]), clotting disorders) * Known seizure disorder * Currently on dialysis * Current pregnancy or breastfeeding * Current use of hormone contraception * Unable to read consent and patient surveys related to the study in English

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Adherence to protocol12 weeksAssess number of patients who receive hand volume measurements at all designated time intervals. The outcome goal will be 90%
Treatment Completion Rate12 weeksAsses proportion of patients who correctly receive the intervention as per the protocol. The outcome goal will be 90%
Retention Rate12 weeksProportion of participants to complete the study protocol and associated follow up. The outcome goal will be an 80% retention rate
Recruitment rate12 weeksNumber of patients recruited to the study per month. The outcome goal will be 5 patients per month

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Hand volume12 weeksHand volume will be assessed using two validated methods; water displacement and figure of eight measurement.
Patient-reported pain scores12 weeksPatient Reported Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE). The PRWHE allows patients to rate their levels of hand and wrist pain and disability. It is rated on a 0-100 scale. A higher score in the scale denotes a worse outcome

Countries

Canada

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026