Could a simple pill boost knee replacement recovery?
NCT ID NCT06894719
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests whether taking the drug tranexamic acid for up to 7 days after total knee replacement can improve pain, function, and knee movement. About 351 adults having knee surgery will be randomly assigned to take the drug for 3 days, 7 days, or a placebo. Researchers will track their recovery over 2 years, focusing on results at 6 weeks and 90 days after surgery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- tranexamic acid
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could lead to a simple, low-cost way to improve recovery and reduce pain after knee replacement surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a Phase 4 trial, so the drug is already approved for other uses, but it may not show meaningful benefits over placebo. Risks include blood clots, though patients with recent clots are excluded.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
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About 351 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Any patient undergoing primary TKA at Rush main hospital or participating ASC * Willingness to undergo randomization to take medication potentially up to 7 days post op. * Willing to answer daily questions on pain, functionality and opioid consumption Exclusion Criteria: * History of venous thromboembolism, MI, or stroke in the past year * Patients on any chronic anticoagulation medications besides Aspirin * Patients with Cancer * Patients with end stage renal disease that are on dialysis * Drug allergy to TXA * Taking oral birth control * Unable to provide consent
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
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