The effect of cryotherapy on intraarticular temperature and postoperative care after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The objective of this study was to elucidate how cryotherapy after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction affects intraarticular temperature and cl inical results. A prospective and randomized study was performed on 21 knee s of 21 patients. The ligament reconstruction was performed by single-incis ion arthroscopy using autogenous hamstring tendon. On completion of the sur gery, thermosensors were implanted in the suprapatellar pouch and the intra condylar notch, and the intraarticular temperature was monitored while the joint was cooled. Cooling was performed in one group at 5 degrees C (N = 7) and in another at 10 degrees C (N = 7), for 48 hours. A control group (N = 7) did not undergo cryotherapy. The cooled groups showed three temperature phases: a low-temperature phase immediately after the ligament reconstruct ion, followed by a temperature-rising phase and a thermostatic phase. The c ontrol group had no low-temperature phase and immediately entered a thermos tatic phase. During the low-temperature phase in the treated groups, the te mperature of the suprapatellar pouch and of the intercondylar notch were si gnificantly lower than the body temperature. The pain score and the number of times an analgesic had to be administered were both significantly lower in the 10 degrees C group than in the control group. Blood loss was signifi cantly less in the 5 degrees C group than in the control group.