The effectiveness of a pain wrap compared to a standard dressing on the reduction of postoperative morbidity following routine knee arthroscopy: a prospective randomized single-blind study.

A pain wrap dressing in patients undergoing routine knee arthroscopy was evaluated to determine its ability to decrease postoperative pain and swelling. Bilateral knee examinations were performed pre- and postoperatively. Patients recorded narcotic usage and pain levels for 10 postoperative days. Twenty-four patients completed the study. The pain wrap group had lower pain ratings (2.2 versus 4.6 [P=.03]) and demonstrated lower skin temperatures (1.1 degrees F versus 3.9 degrees F [P=.02]). Less postoperative swelling was noted in the treatment patients, whereas postoperative arc of motion and narcotic usage was similar in both groups.