A Cold World: Pain Outcomes and Patient Experiences Utilizing an Iceless Cold Compression System After Hand Surgery

Abstract

Background:

Cold therapy devices (CTDs) have been shown to provide analgesia, reduce swelling, and improve outcomes following orthopedic procedures. However, comparative data on postoperative narcotic use and pain control between CTDs and traditional ice packs remain limited. This study evaluates patient satisfaction and opioid use among those using CTDs after carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty or distal radius open reduction internal fixation (ORIF).

Methods:

A prospective analysis was conducted on 124 patients who underwent hand surgery by a single fellowship-trained surgeon between June 2023 and February 2025. A total of 92 patients who underwent CMC arthroplasty or distal radius ORIF were included. Patient-reported outcomes on pain relief, cryotherapy use adherence, and opioid usage were compared between CTD users and those using traditional ice packs.

Results:

In CMC arthroplasty patients, CTD users reported significantly higher pain relief scores (9.56/10 vs 3.42/10, P < .001) and greater adherence (>3 sessions/day: 94.4% vs 36.8%, P < .001) than ice pack users. Similar patterns were observed in distal radius ORIF patients, with higher CTD usage at both 3 and 7 days postoperatively (96% vs 11% and 88% vs 11%, respectively; P < .001). In distal radius ORIF patients, CTD users demonstrated a significant increase in 6-week Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score. No significant difference in oxycodone consumption was observed between groups for either procedure.

Conclusion:

CTD use following CMC arthroplasty and distal radius ORIF is associated with improved pain relief and adherence with cryotherapy. Although opioid use did not differ significantly, CTDs show promise as an adjunct for postoperative pain management in hand and wrist surgery.