Outcomes after total knee arthroplasty when using either a gravity-assisted or electronic continuous cold-flow cryocompression device during the acute postoperative period
Clinical outcomes for patients following unilateral total knee arthroplasty
Patients will be randomised to receive cryocompression therapy using either an electronic continuous cold-flow device (experimental group) or a gravity-assisted cryocompression device (control group - current standard-of-care within the hospital). Randomisation will be performed in advance of participant recruitment using a random number generator, where “1” represents the experimental group and “2” represents the control group, and patients will be allocated to a group in order of the randomised sequence at the point of recruitment. Treatments will be applied in 30-minute bouts every 2 waking hours after surgery, for the first 14 post-operative days. The electronic device will be set to apply a continuous temperature of 8℃ and intermittent compression of 25-50mmHG throughout each treatment. The gravity-assisted device does not allow for the selection of applied temperatures and pressures.
Adults scheduled to undergo TKA at Spire Methley Park Hospital (Leeds, UK)
1. Revision TKA 2. Bilateral TKA 3. Cold urticaria/allergy 4. Known haematological condition that affects clotting 5. Regenerating nerves under the intended therapy area 6. Tissues affected by tuberculosis in the intended therapy area 7. Current or suspected deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolus 8. Nervous system damage causing muscle tightness with a reduced ability to stretch 9. Cognitive impairment/disabilities or communication barriers 10. Significantly impaired circulation in the intended therapy area 11. Chronic wounds near the intended therapy area 12. Malignant tumour in the affected limb or therapy area 13. Haemorrhaging tissue or any untreated haemorrhagic disorders