ABSTRACT
Objective To compare the effectiveness and safety of continuous and intermittent ice compression therapy following total knee arthroplasty surgery. Methods Eighty patients were divided into two groups receiving continuous or intermittent 30 minutes every 2 two hours within 48 hours after the operation. The subjective pain (VAS score), additional pain-killer use, swelling of extremity, drainage, range of motion were observed and compared. Results Patients in the observation group had less pain than those in the control group (Z values in the first 3 postoperative day was-2.722,-3.359,-2.039, respectively, P<0.05). Less pain-killers were required in the experimental group (Z=-2.559, P<0.05). The postoperative swelling by the thigh circumferences in the first day in the observation group was (1.84 ± 1.11) cm, which was milder than the (3.30 ± 1.69) cm of the control group (t=4.565, P<0.01). So was it in the calf circumferences, (0.94 ± 0.89 ) cm vs. (1.46 ± 0.91) cm (t=2.627, P=0.01). Within the first 3 days after the operation, this mildness still existed in aspect of thigh circumferences, which was (3.09±1.39) cm in the observation group vs the (4.09 ± 1.71) cm in the control group, t=2.869, P < 0.01. Conclusions Continuous ice compression therapy has better effects than intermittent 48 hours after total knee replacement, with functional training and exercise not disturbed. It is considered safe and assured, and is therefore recommended.