Combining cryotherapy with compression for pain management after orthopedic surgery

Randomized Control Trial of Combined Cryotherapy With Compression Versus Cryotherapy Alone After Orthopaedic Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Walter Reed National Military Medical Center · NCT05011084

This study is testing if using cold therapy with compression can help people feel less pain after orthopedic surgery compared to just using cold therapy alone.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment504 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWalter Reed National Military Medical Center Federal
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05011084 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of combining cryotherapy with compression compared to cryotherapy alone in managing postoperative pain after orthopedic surgeries such as knee, shoulder, or hip arthroscopy. The research focuses on advanced cryotherapy devices that maintain regulated temperatures for prolonged periods, aiming to enhance recovery and reduce reliance on opioids. Participants will be monitored for pain levels and recovery outcomes following their surgical procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for knee, shoulder, or hip arthroscopy and are eligible for TRICARE healthcare.

Not a fit: Patients with multiple concurrent injuries or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and recovery times for patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with cryotherapy in postoperative pain management, suggesting that this combined approach may also be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult (18 years of age or older)
* Eligible for DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System - A system that enables uniformed service members \& family members to receive health care through TRICARE)
* Fluent in speaking, reading, and understanding English
* Scheduled to receive one of the following procedures: Knee arthroscopy, Shoulder arthroscopy, or Hip arthroscopy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to understand and/or provide written informed consent
* Presence of concurrent additional injuries (e.g., both a knee and hip injury). Participants can only have one injury

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cryotherapy EffectCompressionPostoperative Pain ManagementOpioid EpidemicCryotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.