Effect of Cryotherapy After Elbow Arthrolysis: A Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Study

59 patients undergoing elbow arthrolysis for joint stiffness were randomized to receive standard postoperative care either with or without cryotherapy. This study aimed to delineate the effects of cryotherapy on elbow pain, range of motion, function, blood loss and analgesic use during the first seven postoperative days, as well as 2 weeks and 3 months following surgery. The results of this study suggest that while elbow function, blood loss and Mayo Elbow Performance Score were unchanged, there was a significant improvement in pain in the cryotherapy group. Patients were found to experience less pain and, consume fewer analgesics during cryotherapy administration.