Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2025
Protocol for Developing a Femur Osteotomy Model in Wistar Albino Rats
Published on: August 31, 2022
EFFECT OF TRANEXAMIC ACID ON FRACTURE HEALING IN RATS
Erhan Bayram1, Mehmet Yunlu2, Deniz Gulabi3
1. Istinye University Gaziosmanpasa Medicalpark Hospital, Istanbul Turkey.
Introduction:
In this study we investigated the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) on fracture healing in an established animal model, when used to stop bleeding in orthopedic trauma surgery.
Materials And Methods:
This study was a randomized, controlled, laboratory study. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups, either receiving TXA intravenously (Group 1), TXA topically (Group 2), or isotonic TXA intravenously and TXA topically in the same amounts for the control group (Group 3). First, a Kirschner wire was inserted retrogradely into the femoral intramedullary canal. Then the femurs were fractured at the midshaft region with blunt guillotine. After 4 weeks, the rats were sacrified and the femurs harvested. Cortical bone volume, callus volume, and bone mineral density were calculated using computer tomography scans. Torsion tests were performed. Groups were compared by maximum torque to failure and callus stiffness.
Results:
There were no statistical differences in torque to failure and stiffness between the 3 groups. There were no differences in mean total bone volume, callus volume, percent bone volume, or callus density between the groups.
Conclusions:
A single dose of topical or intravenous TXA has no negative effect on fracture healing when used in traumatic femur fracture surgery in an animal model. Evidence level II; Randomized controlled experimental study.
