A Cochrane review of 12 clinical trials involving 809 participants evaluated whether cryotherapy reduces pain, blood loss, or improves early recovery after total knee replacement. The analysis showed a small reduction in blood loss—approximately 225 mL—and a modest improvement in pain at 48 hours, although these changes were not clinically meaningful and were supported by very low-quality evidence. Range of motion improved slightly at hospital discharge, but there was no significant impact on transfusion rates, swelling, analgesic use, or hospital stay.
Across trials, cryotherapy did not demonstrate clear benefits in functional outcomes or quality of life, and adverse events were similar to control groups. Given the low-certainty evidence and minimal clinical effects, the authors concluded that cryotherapy’s routine use may not be justified and emphasized the need for well-designed randomized trials to determine its true value in postoperative knee care. These findings encourage clinicians to balance potential minor benefits against cost and practicality in early postoperative management.
Keywords: cryotherapy, total knee replacement, postoperative pain, Cochrane review