Editorial Commentary: Tranexamic Acid Shown to Not Inhibit Healing Following Rotator Cuff Repair in Rats

As use of tranexamic acid (TXA) to decrease operative bleeding has increased during various orthopaedic surgical procedures, there has been corresponding increased interest regarding additional potential benefits—and also potential risks—of its use. By lessening bleeding during and shortly after arthroscopic surgery, some potential benefits include less postoperative pain, less hemarthrosis, and subsequent decreased formation of scar adhesions, resulting in less permanent stiffness. However, use of this pharmacologic agent also raises the possibility of negative effects upon tissue healing. In a rat rotator cuff repair model, no lasting significant benefit was associated with TXA administration, including no long-term decreased adhesions or stiffness. On the other hand, no adverse effects regarding healing were noted with TXA.