This prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of preoperative cold therapy on early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A total of 208 patients were randomized into two groups: one receiving conventional cold therapy preoperatively and postoperatively, and the other receiving only routine postoperative cold therapy. Primary outcomes included postoperative pain (VAS), edema (thigh circumference), hemoglobin levels, drainage volume, opioid usage, Knee Society Scores (KSS), and presence of ecchymosis. The study demonstrated that initiating cold therapy before surgery significantly reduced postoperative drainage and opioid requirement, and delayed early edema progression. These findings suggest that the timing of cold therapy may influence recovery, highlighting a potentially beneficial approach to perioperative care in TKA.
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Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Scores for Pain
Timeframe: Preoperative, 8 Hours Postoperative, 24 Hours Postoperative, 48 Hours Postoperative
Postoperative Drainage Volume
Timeframe: First 24 hours after surgery
Total Opioid Consumption in the First 48 Hours
Timeframe: First 48 hours after surgery
Hemoglobin Level Change
Timeframe: Preoperative, 8 Hours Postoperative, 24 Hours Postoperative, 48 Hours Postoperative
Knee Society Score (KSS)
Timeframe: Preoperative and 48 Hours Postoperative
Thigh Circumference Measurement
Timeframe: Preoperative, 24 Hours Postoperative, 48 Hours Postoperative