Does the medication 'tranexamic acid' decrease pain and improve function in the short term after arthroscopic meniscectomy?

A meniscal tear is a common knee injury where the cartilage cushioning the knee joint is damaged. Arthroscopic meniscectomy — a minimally invasive keyhole surgery to trim away the damaged cartilage — is frequently performed to relieve pain and restore movement. However, after this surgery, pain, swelling, and stiffness can limit recovery in the first few weeks. Tranexamic acid is a medication that reduces bleeding and inflammation, and it has shown promise in reducing post-operative pain and swelling after other types of surgery. This pilot study tests whether a single intravenous dose of tranexamic acid given during arthroscopic meniscectomy reduces post-operative pain and swelling compared to placebo (saline). Participants are randomly assigned to receive either tranexamic acid or placebo during their surgery. Pain, knee function, range of motion, and swelling are measured before surgery and at three, fourteen, and thirty days afterwards. To be eligible you need to be having elective arthroscopic meniscectomy for a meniscal tear. People who have had previous reconstructive surgery on the same knee, known clotting disorders, kidney problems, or a known allergy to tranexamic acid are not eligible. This study involves no extra visits beyond the routine post-operative follow-ups.