Cryotherapy after surgery is widely utilised and has numerous practical applications for post-operative rehabilitation. Previous research has suggested that during cold therapy, the skin temperature of the knee should be reduced to 10-15°C to maximise the therapeutic benefits of cooling while avoiding the risk of cold injuries such as nerve damage and frostbite (Wilke and Weiner, 2003; Bleakley, McDonough and MacAuley, 2004). The temperature range at which a device cryocompression device should be set in order to achieve a skin temperature within the therapeutic range of 10-15°C is unknown. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that the temperature of the device does not equal that to which the skin is reduced, plus different devices do not achieve the same reduction in skin temperature despite the ice-water within the knee sleeve being maintained at similar temperatures (Selfe et al., 2009). Therefore, it is not sufficient to assume that the temperature setting of a cryo-compression device reflects the skin temperature achieved. The aim of this study is to determine which temperature of ice-water flowing through a Physiolab S1 cryocompression device is able to reduce skin temperature around the knee to within the previously stated therapeutic range.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Skin Temperature
Timeframe: up to 14 days