Efficacy of the A-V Impulse System versus cryotherapy in the reduction of postoperative oedema of the hand: a prospective randomised trial

In a prospective randomised trial, the effects of an intermittent compression hand pump vs. cryotherapy were compared on reduction of postoperative hand swelling and gain in finger movement after distal radius fractures. Although intermittent compression as a physical method for thromboprophylaxis and swelling reduction in orthopaedic and trauma patients of the lower leg are established, a prospective randomised trial for an objective evaluation of the effects of intermittent compression in the upper extremity has not been previously performed. Forty-three subjects (63±33 years, 32 women, 11 men) with a unilateral distal radius fracture treated with transarticular external fixation K. Mader ( ) • S. Kirchner • B. Wolfgarten • D. Pennig Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery Handand Reconstructive Surgery St. Vinzenz-Hospital Merheimer Str. 221-23, D-50733 Cologne, Germany e-mail: [email protected] Trauma K. Mader et al.: A-V Impulse System vs. cryotherapy in reduction of oedema 37 and trauma patients both with and without plaster immobilisation of the leg, indicated a benefit. We compared the effects of a pneumatic compression device (A-V Impulse Hand Pump; Novamedix Services Ltd, Andover, UK) and cryotherapy in a prospective, randomised study to assess their efficacy in the reduction of postoperative oedema of the hand.