Cooling Therapy for Post-Operative Pain in Carpal Tunnel Release

This study is looking at how well different cooling methods work to reduce pain after open carpal tunnel release surgery. Researchers want to see if using a continuous cooling machine, called a Polarcare Machine, is more effective than standard ice packs for pain relief. You could be eligible if you are 18 or older, need open carpal tunnel surgery, and can complete online questionnaires. However, you cannot join if you've had previous carpal tunnel surgery on the same wrist, need other procedures on either arm, or are currently using opioid pain medication. The main goal is to measure your pain level using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) three days after surgery to see which cooling method works best. The study plans to enroll 128 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study comparing two different cooling methods for pain after surgery. It aims to enroll 128 participants.
What's involved
You would use either a Polarcare Machine or standard ice packs for at least three 15-minute sessions per day for the first 3 days after surgery. You will also complete online questionnaires.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your pain will be measured three days after surgery.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05783245

Effect of Cooling Therapy for Post-Operative Pain in Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalPrevention
University of Chicago
~128 participants
Updated 2026-02-05 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Polarcare MachineStandard of care ice therapy

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain
Measured over 3 days
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Perioperative/Postoperative Complications

NCT05783245

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • University of Chicago Medicine

    Chicago, Illinoisstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Jennifer Wolf, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Chicago

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

  • Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain3 days

    The visual analog scale for pain is a straight line with one end meaning no pain and the other end meaning the worst pain imaginable. A patient marks a point on the line that matches the amount of pain he or she feels.