Volume : 8, Issue : 3, March - 2019

Effectiveness of cryotherapy on postoperative pain among patients undergone orthopaedic surgery for lower extremities

Mrs. Sophy T C, Mrs. Deepa Merin Kuriakose

Abstract :

Background: Post operative pain undoubtedly, has a negative impact on the patient‘s psyche; causing discomfort and prohibiting early mobilization. Administration of oral opioids and non steroid anti inflammatory drugs are combined with sufficient relief of pain in the immediate postoperative period. [1] However, they aren‘t site specific and can be burdened by side effects, such as respiratory depression, nausea or acute gastric lesions. Alternative therapy can be used to minimize the use of these drugs. [2]. Cryotherapy is a well tolerated therapy for the reduction of pain and is also called as cold applications. Cryotherapy is a simple and inexpensive therapy which has been accepted for decades as an effective therapy for pain management[3]. Objectives: The study focused on assessment of postoperative pain among patients undergone orthopaedic surgery for lower extremities, evaluation of the effectiveness of cryotherapy on postoperative pain among patients undergone orthopaedic surgery for lower extremities. Materials and methods: Quantitative approach was used for the study. Study design selected was true experimental design. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select 35 patients in control and 35 patients in experimental group in Govt. Medical College Hospital, Kottayam. The technique of data collection used was self reporting. During the data collection period cryotherapy was given to the patients in control group, the ice packs covered with gauze bandage were applied over the dressing present on the surgical site. It was applied for 20 minutes every 2nd hourly for first 24 hours and every 4th hourly for the next 24 hours. Post test evaluation was done after 24 and 48 hours. Results: The study proved that cryotherapy was effective in reducing postoperative pain among patients undergone orthopaedic surgery for lower extremities. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study it can be concluded that there is evident reduction in postoperative pain among patients undergone orthopaedic surgery for lower extremities as a result of cryotherapy.