Combination of cold and compression after knee surgery. A prospective randomized study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Postoperative swelling and pain are common after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
• Effective pain management and swelling reduction are crucial for optimal recovery and functional return.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of continuous cold-compression therapy versus traditional ice therapy for managing postoperative outcomes after ACL reconstruction.
• To assess the impact on swelling, range of motion (ROM), pain, analgesic consumption, and functional recovery.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 44 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.
• Patients were assigned to either traditional ice therapy (ICE group) or a continuous cold-compression system (Cryo/Cuff, CC group) for 14 days postoperatively.
• Outcomes including girth, ROM, pain scores, analgesic use, isokinetic testing, and functional knee scores were assessed at multiple time points.

Main Results:

• The cold-compression group demonstrated significantly reduced postoperative swelling (P < 0.035).
• Patients in the CC group reported significantly less pain and consumed fewer analgesics (P < 0.04).
• Greater ROM (up to 17 degrees) and significantly improved functional knee scores were observed in the CC group (P = 0.025).

Conclusions:

• Continuous cold-compression therapy offers significant advantages over traditional ice therapy for managing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction recovery.
• This therapy effectively reduces swelling, alleviates pain, decreases analgesic requirements, and enhances functional outcomes and range of motion.