Administration of Tranexamic Acid Reduces Postoperative Blood Loss in Calcaneal Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial

90 patients who suffered a closed unilateral calcaneal fracture were randomized to receive either intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) or a placebo prior to open reduction and internal fixation. The purpose of the study was to compare intra- and post-operative blood loss, blood counts, wound complications, adverse side effects and vascular events to determine if TXA is an effective therapy for reducing blood loss in patients undergoing this procedure. The results of this trial indicated that postoperative blood loss up to 24 hours was significantly lower in the TXA group, but that intra-operative blood loss and postoperative blood loss between 24 and 48 hours was similar between the groups. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were significantly better and significantly fewer wound complications occurred in the TXA group.