Temperature-controlled continuous cold flow device versus traditional icing regimen following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective randomized comparative trial

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47 patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction were randomized to receive either standard cryotherapy or cryotherapy through the use of a continuous cold flow device. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to determine if the continuous cold flow device was associated with better analgesia, lower blood loss, reduced knee swelling, and increased knee range of motion. The results demonstrated that the use of a temperature-controlled continuous cooling device provided a significant decrease in pain and blood loss, and increase in knee range of motion when compared to traditional ice bags in the immediate postoperative management of patients following ACL reconstruction.