Preliminary Review of Cold and Active Compression Therapy for Traumatic Calcaneus or Ankle Fractures

Initial research has shown that cryocompression therapy applied post-operatively has been
effective in reducing recovery time and improving health and pain factors related to patient
recovery. However, there has been limited research into how this translates into positive
economic outcomes for both the hospital and the patient. In addition, it can be reasonably
hypothesized that the use of the cryocompression therapy system before surgery will lead to
an increased rate of reduction in swelling necessary to allow proper operative procedures to
take place when compared to the standard ice and elevation (RICE) therapy techniques and
cryocompression therapy applied only post-operatively. This should lead to decreased hospital
costs and possible improved patient outcomes related to recovery.

Study Objectives This study will examine the initial efficacy and cost-effectiveness of using
the cryocompression therapy model both pre-operatively and post-operatively in patients that
have recently suffered a traumatic calcaneus or ankle fracture compared to the standard
pre-operative RICE therapy procedures.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients over 18 years of age

2. Able to provide informed consent

3. Recent calcaneus or ankle fracture requiring fixation

4. Injury is determined (by physician) to be an isolated, closed, low-energy bimalleolar
fracture

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unable to provide informed consent

2. History of Dementia or mental instability

3. No recent additional fractures (within one year) at or around injury site

4. Persons with symptoms of any kind of psychosocial disorder

5. Any condition that the clinician feels would contraindicate for the postoperative test
or control treatments

6. Any conditions that would contraindicate using the Game Ready

7. If the patient is prevented from transfer to the OR due to reasons other than
medically necessary