Cold Therapy devices are prescribed by physicians to minimize swelling and reduce pain following surgery. Cold Therapy most commonly is used following orthopedic surgery.
A patient uses the device by placing the pad on the affected area and filling the ice chest with ice and water. The circulating pump inside the ice chest circulates cold water through the tubes and into the cooling pad.
The device is intended to be used by patients at home. Patients are provided with little to no instruction regarding proper use of the device and the warnings are inadequate. The Cold Therapy systems lack a shut-off or alarm mechanism that would prevent the device from running too long or too cold. As a result, people using Cold Therapy may use the device for too long which can result in serious and permanent injuries.
Patients have developed nerve damage and serious skin injury following use of Cold Therapy systems. Some patients will experience visible injuries to the skin similar to frost bite. Others may develop nerve damage that can be confirmed by an electromyogram (EMG).
There are three main manufacturers of these Cold Therapy Systems:
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