Local Cryotherapy in Traumatology and Orthopedics: A Review of Current Approaches and Potential Clinical Use



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Abstract

Local cryotherapy is a treatment method used for injuries, musculoskeletal diseases, connective tissue diseases, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Novel technologies such as non-contact cooling with cold gases, augmented compression, and skin temperature regulation, have improved the effectiveness of cryotherapy and expanded its applications. However, it is still important to improve treatment protocols and determine optimal exposure parameters. Therefore, publications on the use of local cryotherapy in traumatology and orthopedics were reviewed to systematize clinical practice approaches and determine the key principles for the development of the treatment option. This article reviews studies on various local cryotherapy options used to treat musculoskeletal diseases and to rehabilitate patients after joint surgery, sport-related injuries, and bone tissue damage. It describes the mechanisms of action and the factors that influence the treatment effectiveness and safety. Local cryotherapy offers several therapeutic benefits, including reduced inflammation and pain, faster recovery of joint function, and reduced need for analgesics. Although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness, local cryotherapy shows promise as a treatment for bone tissue healing. Most of the current evidence of effectiveness has been obtained from preclinical studies in animal models. Additional studies are required to confirm the applicability and safety of this treatment option in clinical practice. These studies should aim to optimize treatment parameters and evaluate treatment safety. Further randomized studies in humans are also needed. Local cryotherapy has been shown to effectively treat musculoskeletal diseases and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries. However, more research is needed to optimize treatment regimens based on the location of the injury and the area of cooling. Further research is needed to develop personalized, local cryotherapy protocols that consider patient characteristics, therapy goals, and the nature of the disease.

About the authors

Aleksandr V. Pushkarev

Bauman Moscow State Technical University; Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education

Author for correspondence.
Email: pushkarev@bmstu.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1737-7838
SPIN-code: 5796-8324

Cand. Sci. (Engineering), Leading Engineer, Depart. 3.1, Acting Head, Depart. of Medical Equipment

Russian Federation, Moscow; Moscow

Natalia Yu. Saakyan

Bauman Moscow State Technical University

Email: saakyan@bmstu.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6799-5450
SPIN-code: 4390-3138

Student, Engineer, Depart. 3.1

Russian Federation, Moscow

Alexey V. Shakurov

Bauman Moscow State Technical University

Email: shakurov@bmstu.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6110-8101
SPIN-code: 1894-4707

Dr. Sci. (Engineering), Head, Depart. 3.1

Russian Federation, Moscow

Evgeny G. Bychkov

Bauman Moscow State Technical University

Email: bychkov.eg@bmstu.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-2050-5298
SPIN-code: 5499-9080
ResearcherId: J-4948-2015

Cand. Sci. (Engineering), Senior Researcher, Depart. 3.1

Russian Federation, Moscow

Antonina V. Butorina

Bauman Moscow State Technical University; The Russian National Research Medical University named after N.I. Pirogov

Email: avbutorina@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-8465-0593
SPIN-code: 8832-1995

MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Chief Researcher, Depart. 3.1, Professor of the Depart. of Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, and Physical Education

Russian Federation, Moscow; Moscow

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