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Whole-body cryotherapy in orthopaedics: current concepts

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Abstract

The use of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) for musculoskeletal ailments is growing. WBC, involving brief exposure to extremely low temperatures, is increasingly used for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The paper examines the physiological impacts of WBC on cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, hematologic, hormonal, and metabolic systems. Specific orthopaedic applications discussed include its role in the management of fractures, osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, osteomyelitis, adhesive capsulitis, tendinopathies, rheumatic pathologies, chronic pain syndromes, and fibromyalgia. The study also highlights the benefits and drawbacks of WBC, including its potential to improve athletic performance, recovery, mood, and well-being, while noting risks like frostbite and impaired muscle strength. Clinical evidence from various studies is evaluated, revealing a spectrum of outcomes. For instance, WBC shows promise in enhancing bone health in athletes and providing relief in osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia patients. However, evidence for its efficacy in conditions like chronic pain syndromes and osteomyelitis is less robust. The paper underscores the need for further research to establish standardised protocols and understand long-term effects. While WBC offers significant benefits in orthopaedics, understanding its limitations and potential risks is crucial for its safe and effective clinical application.

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The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available throughout the manuscript.

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The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600077, India

    Madhan Jeyaraman & Naveen Jeyaraman

  2. Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Academic Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Via Lorenz Böhler 5, 39100, Bolzano, Italy

    Filippo Migliorini

  3. Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Omandurar Government Estate, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600002, India

    Sangeetha Balaji & Swaminathan Ramasubramanian

  4. Department of Orthopaedics, KIMS-Sunshine Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032, India

    Tarun Jayakumar

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Contributions

MJ, SR, and TJ was involved in conception and design, SB and NJ helped in drafting (original and revision); MJ and FM contributed to supervision, drafting (revision); MJ and SR assisted in drafting (revision); MK helped in supervision and administration. All authors have agreed to the final version to be published and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

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Correspondence to Filippo Migliorini.

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Jeyaraman, M., Migliorini, F., Balaji, S. et al. Whole-body cryotherapy in orthopaedics: current concepts. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-024-03945-3

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