Cryotherapy temperature differences after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized trial

In spite of its widespread use after orthopaedic procedures, the literature evaluating the clinical efficacy of cryotherapy is controversial. The purpose of this prospective randomized trial was to compare two different temperatures for administering cryotherapy after total knee arthroplasty with regards to short-term postoperative outcomes. Sixty-four subjects were assigned either the 45 degrees F group or the 75 degrees F group. Subjects in the 45 degrees group were as likely to report a lower pain score at the time of follow-up compared to the 75 degrees group. Our results demonstrate no additional analgesic effect associated with the lower temperature of cryotherapy. Postoperative narcotic consumption, postoperative drainage, self-reported knee function, and range of motion were not affected by the different cryotherapy temperatures. No adverse effects were reported with the cryotherapy treatment.