The Effect of Cryotherapy on Intraarticular Temperature and Postoperative Care After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

The objective of this study was to elucidate how cryotherapy after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction affects intraarticular temperature and clinical results. A prospective and randomized study was performed on 21 knees of 21 patients. The ligament reconstruction was performed by single-incision arthroscopy using autogenous hamstring tendon. On completion of the surgery, thermosensors were implanted in the suprapatellar pouch and the intracondylar notch, and the intraarticular temperature was monitored while the joint was cooled. Cooling was performed in one group at 5 degrees C (N = 7) and in another at 10 degrees C (N = 7), for 48 hours. A control group (N = 7) did not undergo cryotherapy. The cooled groups showed three temperature phases: a low-temperature phase immediately after the ligament reconstruction, followed by a temperature-rising phase and a thermostatic phase. The control group had no low-temperature phase and immediately entered a thermostatic phase. During the low-temperature phase in the treated groups, the temperature of the suprapatellar pouch and of the intercondylar notch were significantly lower than the body temperature. The pain score and the number of times an analgesic had to be administered were both significantly lower in the 10 degrees C group than in the control group. Blood loss was significantly less in the 5 degrees C group than in the control group.

Recent Advances in the Rehabilitation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

“…107,124 We also utilize various therapeutic lasers to aid in the healing response. 31,58,118 Treatment options for swelling include cryotherapy, 15,32,125,135,169 high-voltage stimulation, 74 and joint compression through the use of a knee sleeve or compression wrap. 91 A commercial cold device (FIGURE 2) providing continuous cold therapy and compression may also be beneficial.…”

Effect of cold compression therapy on postoperative pain, swelling, range of motion, and lameness after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs

“…15,16 The primary therapeutic objective of this modality is to suppress the metabolic rate of traumatized tissue by decreasing tissue temperature. 17 Decreasing the tissue temperature results in vasoconstriction as well as decreases in motor and sensory nerve conduction 18,19 and a reduction in swelling and provision of analgesia. 19 Additionally, hypothermia decreases postoperative pain by reducing concentrations of tumor necrosis factor and nitric oxide, which are 2 important inflammatory mediators.…”

The effect of local cooling on pain perception during infiltration of local anaesthetic agents, a prospective randomised controlled trial*

“…The benefits of regional skin cooling to reduce pain from sports injuries are well recognised [20,21]. A number of studies have shown the benefits of postoperative skin cooling to reduce wound pain and oedema [22][23][24][25][26]. Attempts have been made to capitalise on these benefits peri-operatively [27].…”