Article

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of gaseous
cryotherapy following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to compare it to
routinely used strategies for applying cold therapy. METHODS:
Sixty-six patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA were randomized into three
groups and received "gaseous cryotherapy (GC)", "cold pack" and "cryocuff"
applications, respectively throughout the hospital stay. Primary outcomes (knee
pain intensity, mobility and girth measurements) were recorded on preoperative
day 1 as well as on postoperative day (POD) 7. Cutaneous temperature of the knee
sides were also measured on POD7 just before and immediately after cold
application. RESULTS: Although skin temperature dropped to 14 degrees C following
GC versus 22 to 24 degrees C for the other two applications (P<0,05), the three
groups did not differ at POD7 regarding the three primary outcomes. No adverse
effects were observed with any of the ways of application. CONCLUSIONS: Gaseous
cryotherapy was not more beneficial than routinely used strategies for applying
cold therapy. Further studies with larger sample size and with a more frequent
and closer gaseous cryotherapy applications are needed to confirm our results.
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Langue : ANGLAIS ; FRANCAIS