gms | German Medical Science

Objectives: Local, temporary cryotherapy is a commonly used therapeutic procedure after orthopedic and traumatologic operations. Their effectiveness is a controversy in the discussed literature. Objective of our study was to analyze the effectiveness of a novel cryotherapeutic device after arthroscopic surgery of the knee joint. This device provides continuous and long term cooling using standardised and controlled cold therapy protocols.

Methods: In a prospective study 62 patients (29 females, 33 males, average age 48.7 years) were treated with Controlled Temperature Modulation therapy (CTM-therapy, Ener C AG, Switzerland). The device offers continuous, controlled and temperature modulated cold therapy. Immediately postoperativly, as well as on the first and second day after surgery applications with a mean temperature of 11°C were performed for 240 minutes. Experience of pain (NRS), range of motion, swelling and consumption of analgetics was studied.

Results and Conclusion: On the day of the surgery the NRS showed pain before treatment at 3.0 and after treatment 2.6 points (p=0.494); on the first postoperative day 1.9 points and 1.2 points respectively (p<0.001). Passive flexion on the day of surgery before treatment was 68° and after treatment 78° (p=0.460); on the first postoperative day 80° and 87° respectively (p=0.001) and on the second postoperative day 85° and 92° respectively (p<0.001). Leg circumference decreased significantly after treatments on the three levels measured with the exception of the day of surgery. There were no undesired side effects in any of the treatments.

The Controlled Temperature Modulation therapy following arthoscopic knee joint surgery has a conditional positive effect on patients’ pain, range of motion and swelling.