Publication

Cryotherapy after ACL reconstruction: a meta-analysis

Journal Paper/Review - Apr 1, 2005

Units
PubMed

Citation
Raynor M, Pietrobon R, Gueller U, Higgins L. Cryotherapy after ACL reconstruction: a meta-analysis. J Knee Surg 2005; 18:123-9.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
J Knee Surg 2005; 18
Publication Date
Apr 1, 2005
Issn Print
1538-8506
Pages
123-9
Brief description/objective

Cryotherapy is a common treatment modality after orthopedic surgery procedures. Single institutional randomized clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of cryotherapy after arthroscopically-assisted anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Most of these studies were, however, underpowered to detect clinically relevant outcomes differences. This meta-analysis assessed the combined scientific evidence of studies evaluating the effectiveness of cryotherapy after arthroscopically-assisted ACL reconstruction. Electronic databases and bibliographic references of relevant articles were used to identify all relevant randomized clinical trials comparing cryotherapy to a placebo group after ACL reconstruction. Outcomes under investigation were postoperative drainage, range of motion, and pain. Random-effects models were used to combine the findings of the randomized controlled trials. Seven randomized clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis. Postoperative drainage (P=.23) and range of motion (P=.25) were not significantly different between cryotherapy and control group. However, cryotherapy was associated with significantly lower postoperative pain (P=.02). This meta-analysis showed that cryotherapy has a statistically significant benefit in postoperative pain control, while no improvement in postoperative range of motion or drainage was found. As the cryotherapy apparatus is fairly inexpensive, easy to use, has a high level of patient satisfaction, and is rarely associated with adverse events, we believe that cryotherapy is justified in the postoperative management of knee surgery.