Compressive Cryotherapy Versus Conventional Cryotherapy After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Influence of Compressive Cryotherapy Compared to Conventional Cryotherapy on Articular, Trophic and Functional Recovery After Total Knee Arthroplasty: a Randomized Controlled Study

In the postoperative period of a total knee arthroplasty, subjects present limitations of articular amplitudes, swelling, pain and functional limitations. Functional rehabilitation is unanimously recommended, including the use of cryotherapy. However, there is no consensus regarding the methods of application of cryotherapy. Thus the objective of the study is to compare 2 cryotherapy techniques associated with a classic rehabilitation on the improvement of mobility, swelling, pain and functional parameters. The 2 cryotherapies were a compressive cryotherapy and a so-called classic cryotherapy by cold pack.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Volunteers
• First-line Total Knee Arthroplasty on an indication of knee osteoarthritis diagnosed by radio-clinical examination
• Between D3 and D10 postoperatively
• Age < 90 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Intolerance to cryotherapy or compression,
• Occurrence of complications secondary to surgery,
• Withdrawal of consent,
• Non-compliance with the rehabilitation protocol (content and dosage of sessions).