The use of the Cryo/Cuff versus ice and elastic wrap in the postoperative care of knee arthroscopy patients

Am J Knee Surg. 1995 Winter;8(1):28-30; discussion 30-1.

Abstract

Pain and swelling, which may lead to inhibition of the extensor mechanism and ultimately a delay in rehabilitation, are common complications of knee arthroscopy. Cryotherapy is the most often used means of decreasing both knee edema and discomfort. A number of methods have been used to provide cold pressure dressings, including ice and elastic bandages. Commercial devices, such as the Cryo/Cuff, also have been developed to provide similar beneficial effects. This article describes a multicenter randomized study undertaken to determine whether the Cryo/Cuff or the ice and elastic bandage offers the greatest convenience and relief of pain. One hundred two patients between the ages of 18 and 65 scheduled to undergo knee arthroscopy were enrolled. Postoperatively, the Cryo/Cuff patients required significantly less pain medication than those patients using the ice and elastic wrap. The Cryo/Cuff patients also expressed a high level of satisfaction with the effectiveness and convenience of the therapy. There were no differences between either group in the amount of pain reported, or preoperative and postoperative examinations in regard to knee range of motion and thigh circumference. These results indicate that the Cryo/Cuff is a useful adjunct in the rehabilitation of knee arthroscopy patients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analgesics / administration & dosage
  • Arthroscopy* / adverse effects
  • Bandages*
  • Cryotherapy / instrumentation*
  • Edema / prevention & control
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ice*
  • Knee Joint / physiopathology
  • Knee Joint / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain, Postoperative / prevention & control
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Postoperative Care*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Thigh / pathology

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Ice