Device or Ice: The Effect of Consistent Cooling Using a Device Compared with Intermittent Cooling Using an Ice Bag after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Purpose: To determine the comparative effectiveness of consistent cooling using an icing device (DonJoy Iceman, DJO Canada, Mississauga, ON) versus intermittent cooling using an ice bag (usual care) for the first 48 hours after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Method: A sample of 78 patients (intervention group, n = 37; control group, n = 34) undergoing primary TKA were randomized to intervention (device) or control (ice) groups. The primary outcome was pain intensity, measured by numerical pain rating scale (NPRS). Secondary outcomes were passive range of motion (PROM), nausea or vomiting, opioid use, blood loss, lower limb function, hospital length of stay, and patient-reported compliance and satisfaction. Results: No significant differences in the primary outcome (pain intensity measured via NPRS) were observed between control and intervention groups. Patients in the intervention group were significantly more satisfied (8.4 vs. 6.0, p = 0.002); used the device more consistently, day and night (85.7% vs. 29.6% and 87.6% vs. 30.8%, respectively, p < 0.001); and were more likely to recommend this method of cooling (96.8% vs. 68.0%, p = 0.004). Conclusion: The study found no additional benefit of consistent cryotherapy using the icing device over intermittent ice bags on postoperative pain, PROM, nausea or vomiting, opioid use, blood loss, lower limb function, or length of stay, despite significant differences in patient-reported compliance and satisfaction.