Cold therapy in maxillofacial surgery

Cryotherapy (the application of ice for therapeutic purposes) is one of the most common treatment modalities used in the immediate management of acute soft tissue injury. Despite its widespread clinical use, the precise physiological responses to therapeutic cooling have not been fully elucidated, and effective evidence-based treatment protocols are yet to be established (BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2007;8:125).

From January 2008 to July 2008, 10 patients (4 men and 6 women) affected by dental-skeletal classes II and III were treated. Considering the biologic effects and the low temperature achieved, in this study, a cooling and compression system, at fixed temperature and adjustable for maxillofacial cutaneous tissues, called Hilotherapy system (Hilotherm GmbH, Ludwigsburg, Germany) was used.

With the use of Hilotherapy system, the swelling and pain decrease in intensity and time, allowing a quicker path to recovery of mandibular dynamics, a better comfort for patients, and an easy management of patients by medical attendants.

The Hilotherapy system has been proven to have a safe and effective use as a cold therapy to control postsurgery course.