Mirabilite with Ice Pack after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Postoperative Recovery
• Pain Management

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure for end-stage knee arthritis.
• Post-TKA complications include pain and swelling, impacting patient recovery.
• Investigating novel methods to enhance TKA recovery is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of mirabilite with an ice pack versus an ice pack alone in managing post-TKA symptoms.
• To compare the effects on pain, swelling, range of motion (ROM), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

Main Methods:

• Eighty patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA were randomized into two groups: mirabilite with ice pack (MIP) and ice pack only (WIP).
• Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-surgery.
• Swelling was measured by leg girth, active ROM by goniometer, and serum CRP levels were analyzed at 72 hours.

Main Results:

• The MIP group demonstrated significantly reduced knee girth at 48 and 72 hours post-TKA compared to the WIP group.
• VAS scores for pain were significantly lower in the MIP group at 72 hours.
• The MIP group exhibited significantly improved ROM, lower CRP levels, and shorter length of stay (LOS).

Conclusions:

• Mirabilite combined with an ice pack offers superior pain relief and swelling reduction post-TKA.
• This combination therapy significantly enhances knee range of motion and accelerates recovery.
• Mirabilite with ice pack is an effective intervention for improving outcomes after total knee arthroplasty.