Tranexamic Acid Prophylaxis for Heterotopic Ossification in Elbow Fracture-Dislocation Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Heterotopic ossification (HO) following elbow fracture-dislocation is a well-recognized condition that can lead to reduced range of motion, increased pain, and the necessity for repeat surgeries.

Inflammation serves as a pivotal initiating factor in the formation of (HO) following a traumatic event. The inflammatory cascade triggered can lead to the dysregulation of tissue homeostasis, thereby promoting the aberrant formation of ectopic bone. Tranexamic acid (TXA), a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved synthetic antifibrinolytic agent, has garnered significant attention for its potential to mitigate the inflammatory response in the context of orthopaedic surgical procedures.

This study aims to investigate the hypothesis that reducing soft tissue hematoma during elbow fracture-dislocation surgery through the intraoperative administration of TXA, can alleviate the occurrence or severity of ectopic bone formation.

Methods: A prospective randomized study was conducted on patients with elbow fracture-dislocation who underwent surgery between 2016 and 2022. A total of 50 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups. The first group received 1 gram of intravenous tranexamic acid before the operation, followed by an additional 1 gram intravenously during wound closure. The second group did not receive any anti-bleeding medication. Patients were followed up at intervals of 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and as needed after the surgery. At the end of the follow-up period, there were 23 patients in the first group and 24 in the second group, with a median follow-up duration of 12.7 months. All patients did not receive any other form of HO prophylaxis. Postoperative radiographs and clinical outcomes were assessed and recorded.