Overview
The goal of this study is to find out whether the use of topical tranexamic acid (TXA) into the surgical wound will result in less post-operative pain, less pain killer use, and better post-operative use of the wrist in people undergoing surgery for a wrist fracture compared to not using topical TXA (placebo).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation (Volar approach) for operative management of a distal radius fracture;
- Aged 18 or older;
- Provision of informed consent;
- Cognitive ability and English-language skills required to complete outcome measures.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Revision surgery or any additional operative management of ipsilateral wrist injury
- Distal radius fracture treated with a dorsal approach
- Known history of lymphedema or lymph node dissection in the operative extremity
- Known chronic pain conditions, fibromyalgia, or polymyalgia rheumatic
- Current user of opioids and/or on chronic opioids use
- Known allergic reaction to TXA
- Anticoagulant use not stopped in time for surgery as per thrombosis Canada guidelines (i.e. warfarin, acetylsalicylic acid, direct oral anticoagulants, etc.)
- Previous thrombotic stroke or thromboembolic disorders (i.e. known previous DVT, PE, or clotting disorders)
- Current pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Previous neurologic injury causing paralysis of affected shoulder/arm
- Severe cardio-respiratory disease (i.e. ASA Grade IV or higher).
