Comparing Compressive Cryotherapy and Standard Ice Packs to Reduce Opioid Use After Knee Replacement Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether compressive cryotherapy can reduce opioid use and improve recovery after primary total knee arthroplasty in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This randomized controlled trial compares compressive cryotherapy using the Game Readyae device with standard care using traditional ice packs to assess effects on postoperative pain and recovery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either compressive cryotherapy with the Game Readyae device or standard cryotherapy with ice packs. The Game Readyae device delivers circulating cold water combined with intermittent pneumatic compression applied to the knee for 20 minutes, four times daily during the first 7 days after surgery. Compression starts on day 3 at medium pressure. The standard care group will apply ice packs as needed and elevate the limb. Both groups follow the same postoperative pain relief and rehabilitation plan. During the 7-day postoperative period, participants will record daily pain levels using a visual analog scale and document opioid use in a pain diary. On day 7, researchers will evaluate knee swelling, hematoma size, and quality of recovery using the QoR-15 questionnaire. The main outcome measured is total opioid consumption during the first 7 days after surgery. This study lasts for the first week post-surgery, with follow-up assessments at day 7.

Cryotherapy Versus Standard Care in Reducing Opioid Consumption After Total Knee Arthroplasty