Cryotherapy With Dynamic Intermittent Compression Improves Recovery From Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of cryotherapy with dynamic intermittent compression (CDIC) in relieving postoperative pain, decreasing blood loss, and improving functional scores after revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA).

Methods

We conducted a prospective case-control study (level of evidence: I) to evaluate the efficacy of CDIC on postoperative bleeding, pain, and functional outcomes after rTKA. Forty-three cases were included at a single institution and divided in 2 groups: a control group without CDIC (n = 19) and an experimental group with CDIC (n = 24). Bleeding was evaluated by calculating total blood loss, pain at rest was evaluated with a visual analog scale on postoperative day 3, and function was assessed using the Oxford score at 6 months postoperatively. The comparative analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test.

Results

The CDIC group had significantly lower total blood loss (260 vs 465 mL; P < .05), significantly less pain on day 3 (1 vs 3; P < .05), and a significantly higher functional score (42 vs 40; P < .05) than the control group.

Conclusion

This is the first report dealing with the use of CDIC after rTKA. According to our results, it improves the recovery of patients who underwent rTKA; thus, it should be integrated into our daily practice.