Study Comparing Cryo-Compression Therapy and Traditional Ice Packs for Pain Relief After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of a non-invasive cryo-compression therapy to improve pain control after arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery. This study compares this novel method to standard ice wraps in managing post-operative pain, swelling, opioid use, and quality of life. The trial aims to provide evidence that could influence pain management practices in orthopedic surgery, addressing concerns about opioid use. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups one using the intermittent cryo-compression device called the NICE Recovery SystemTM, and the other using standard gel ice packs with wraps. The cryo-compression group receives a compression sleeve applied immediately after surgery with programmed compression and cooling settings, aiming for at least 6 hours of treatment daily. The control group uses gel ice packs with the same daily duration. Both groups follow a detailed post-operative care plan. Participants will complete pre-operative data collection and maintain a diary to record pain and therapy use until the first post-operative visit. Follow-up visits are scheduled at 2 days, 1 visit shortly after, 60 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-surgery. Researchers will assess pain using the Visual Analog Scale, measure arm swelling, analyze costs, and evaluate quality of life over one year. This thorough monitoring aims to capture differences in recovery and patient experience between the two cryotherapy methods.

Utility of Intermittent Cryo-Compression Versus Traditional Icing Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair