THE USE OF COLD THERAPY IN THE POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING ARTHROSCOPIC ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

In this prospective, randomized study we assessed the use of cold ther apy after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Seve nty-one patients were randomly allocated, without the knowledge of the single surgeon, to one of three groups: Group I had an ice water-fill ed CryoCuff fitted in the operating theater after surgery, Group II ha d room temperature water in the CryoCuff, and Group III patients had n o CryoCuff, Patients were well matched for age, sex, and associated su rgery. An independent observer measured blood loss, analgesic use, ran ge of motion, and visual analog pain scores postoperatively, There wer e no differences between any of the three groups regarding the variabl es measured. The use of cold therapy devices as an adjunct to the post operative management of these patients must be questioned.