Influence of cryotherapy with pulse compression on the functional condition of the knee joint after partial meniscectomy

Abstract

The aim: To study the effect of cryotherapy with adjustable pulse compression in patients after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy on the functional state of the knee joint in the early period of rehabilitation. Materials and methods: A total of 63 patients took part in the research: the experimental group included 32 patients (23 men and 9 women), and the control group - 31 patients (21 men and 10 women). In order to determine the effect on the functional state of the knee joint after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in the experimental group, cryotherapy with adjustable pulse compression was used with the help of «GIOCO CRYO – 2» system; ice bags were used in the control group. In the research process, the following methods were used: visual analogue point scale, sonography, goniometry and myotonometry. Results: It was found that in the experimental group, under the influence of cryotherapy with adjustable pulse compression, there was a progressive decrease in the intensity of the pain syndrome, the accumulation of reactive synovial fluid, a dynamic increase in the amplitude of movements of the operated joint, and an improvement in the muscle tone of the quadriceps femoris (p<0,05-0,001). Conclusions: Thus, cryotherapy with adjustable pulse compression has shown a positive effect on the functional state of the knee joint in the early period of patients’ rehabilitation, after partial meniscectomy and can be recommended for use in clinical practice.