Cryoneurolysis decreases knee osteoarthritis pain and symptoms – new research

Cryoneurolysis, a technique that involves freezing damaged nerves to relieve pain has performed well in a new study, its authors highlight in Osteoarthritis Cartilage.

The method involves guiding a tiny probe to specific nerves that are causing pain and discomfort. Once in position, the probe’s tip is cooled to -50degC to -70degC. The freezing temperature of the probe causes the surrounding tissue to absorb heat, which breaks up the outer core of the nerve while the wall of the nerve remains intact. This reduces or eliminates the pain and allows damaged nerves to grow as healthy nerves.

New study

A group of experts took 180 people with knee osteoarthritis and split them into groups: 121 people were given cryoneurolysis and 59 people had pretend treatment.

Those who received cryoneurolysis had a greater improvement in symptoms and reduction in pain throughout the five month study.

Most side effects were mild and resolved within 30 days.

The researchers comment:

“Cryoneurolysis of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve resulted in statistically significant decreased knee pain and improved symptoms compared to sham treatment for up to 150 days, and appeared safe and well tolerated.”

Click here to read the original research.

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