title: A randomized, controlled trial comparing compression bandaging and cold therapy in postoperative total knee replacement surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the difference between compression bandaging and cold therapy after total knee arthroplasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-four postoperative, unilateral, total knee replacement, surgical clients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clients were randomized into two groups: those receiving compression bandaging, and those receiving cryo-pad technology. Subjects were assessed for total length of stay, blood loss, blood transfusion, swelling, flexion, pain, and opiate use.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Unlike other studies, the results of these data showed no significant differences between groups on the measured outcomes. A simple cost benefit analysis shows that the compression bandage is cheaper and more labor efficient than the cold therapy as delivered by cryo-pad technology.
authors.affiliation: St Vincent's Hospital, Lismore, Australia.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: Maree
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tibbey
mesh_terms: D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001458:Bandages / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017679:Cryotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016530:Orthopedic Nursing; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic