Cryoneurolysis

What is cryoneurolysis?

Cryoneurolysis is an innovative, minimally invasive technique used to treat spasticity and pain. The procedure involves applying extreme cold, via a probe, to temporarily block nerves from transmitting spasticity or pain signals.

The controlled cooling is applied via highly pressurized carbon dioxide gas, which creates an ice ball that freezes the targeted nerves.

What is spasticity?

Spasticity is an involuntary tightness or stiffness in muscles that can develop after the brain or nerves in your spine are injured or damaged. The damage disrupts the way your muscles relax and contract independently of one another, and many muscles may contract involuntarily at the same time, causing pain, stiffness and disorganized movement of limbs.

Spasticity can make voluntary movement difficult. It can also affect the way you move or walk. It can vary in severity from mild muscle tightness to severe and uncontrollable spasm and stiffness.

Conditions that can cause spasticity include brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injury, and hereditary spastic paraparesis.

How is cryoneurolysis performed?

Ultrasound guided nerve stimulation is used to identify the target nerves. A specialized device containing the pressurized gas and a needle is then inserted near the identified nerve.

The gas cools the nerve to approximately -78 ˚C, forming an ice ball at the target site. This temporarily reduces nerve signaling, helping decrease stiffness and pain. Surrounding tissues are not affected. The freezing disrupts the nerve’s outer structures, but the connective framework remains intact. This means the nerve can regrow over the course of several weeks to months, making this a reversible procedure.

Who can benefit from cryoneurolysis?

Cryoneurolysis may be offered to people with chronic pain or spasticity when their symptoms haven’t responded well to other therapies. It offers a minimally invasive option before surgery is considered.

Cryoneurolysis is primarily offered to patients with osteoarthritis, neuropathic (nerve) pain, post-surgical pain, and spasticity.

It is not offered to patients when the underlying source of pain is not clearly linked to a specific nerve, or if there are underlying conditions that may make cold therapies dangerous.

How long to the effects of cryoneurolysis last?

The effects of cryoneurolysis vary from person to person, but they can last anywhere from six months to a year.

What are the benefits of cryoneurolysis?

For patients who have not responded well to other therapies, cryoneurolysis offers an effective option for managing chronic pain and spasticity. Benefits include:

• Minimally invasive: The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis with minimal downtime.
• Immediate relief: The procedure blocks pain almost immediately.
• Long-lasting: Relief may last anywhere from a few months to a years.
• Reversible: Nerve damage isn’t permanent, so the nerves can heal and regenerate.
• Reduced reliance on medication: The procedure can reduce dependence on prescription medication.

What are the side effects of cryoneurolysis?

Cryoneurolysis is a safe treatment, but, like all medical procedures, there may be side effects. These include infection, bleeding, pain at the insertion site, weakness, or nerve pain. Your doctor will discuss all possible side effects with you before the procedure.