Applying ice packs to sports injuries or after surgery to injured joints and muscles is the gold standard for speedy healing. No wonder. Ice reduces pain, swelling and muscle spasm. Of late, however, orthopedic machines have replaced ice packs. Some of these machines have caused frostbite, nerve damage and even the need for amputation. Patients have suffered severe injuries to the ankles, feet, wrists, hands, shoulders and knees.

Some of these machines come with few instructions (or none at all) for patients following surgery or serious injury about how cold temperatures should be and for how long. Some of these devices have no alarm or automatic shut-off valve when icy water has been flowing into ice packs long enough to damage tissue.

Three machines have been cited in this regard: The EBice Cold Therapy System made by Biomet, Inc, Iceman made by DJO, Inc (a.k.a. Donjoy) and the Polar Care System manufactured by Breg, Inc. People who have been injured or need surgery would do well to exercise extra caution when using them.

It’s especially important for the elderly, who may be facing knee or hip replacement surgery, to be aware of the potential hazard these machines pose. In 2007, there were close to one million hip and knee replacement surgeries in the United States. As more and more baby boomers reach retirement age, the number of these surgeries will increase. Anyone who has suffered frostbite, nerve damage or has had to have a limb amputated after using one of these machines should contact a personal injury lawyer.