Cryocompression After Total Knee Arthroplasty

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Cryocompression After Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)

The overall aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a cryocompression device after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared to standard therapy.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of cryocompression after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared to a control group without cryocompression. The effect on the following parameters will be evaluated: knee and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), patient satisfaction, knee girth, skin temperature, knee range of motion, morphine consumption, pain perception, the length of stay, the 10-metre walk test and the timed-up-and-go.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Signed Informed Consent
• Diagnosed Arthritis of the Knee
• Planned implantation of a primary total knee arthroplasty by the Regionalspital Surselva AG

Exclusion Criteria:

• Decompensated hypertension in the affected area
• Acute inflammatory phlebitis in the affected area
• Patients with acute paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, or cryoglobulinemia
• Significant vascular disruption in the affected area
• History of pulmonary embolism or risk factors for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism in the affected area
• No increased venous or lymphatic return in the affected leg is desired due to e.g. carcinoma
• Raynaud's disease
• Hypersensitivity to cold
• Fear of cold/compression