AJSM September 2024 Podcast: Cryo–Pneumatic Compression Results in a Significant Decrease in Opioid Consumption After Shoulder Surgery: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

The management of pain after shoulder surgery typically includes the use of cryotherapy and the prescription of opioid analgesics. Much focus has been placed lately on the opioid epidemic, which in part is fueled by excessive prescription of opioid medication. Previous studies have found a combination of cryotherapy and compression effective at reducing analgesic consumption and increasing recovery in patients undergoing knee and spine surgery; however, efficacy in patients undergoing shoulder surgery has not been evaluated.   In conclusion, in patients undergoing unilateral shoulder surgery, the use of cryotherapy with pneumatic compression, when compared with standard care, resulted in significantly decreased opioid consumption as well as increased function at 2 weeks.   Click here to read the article.