About Cryoneurolysis
Cryoneurolysis freezes a short section of a nerve. The cold interrupts the nerve's ability to carry signals while leaving its outer structure in place, so the nerve can slowly regrow along its original path. This is why the effect is temporary.
It is used for knee arthritis pain, pain before and after knee replacement, and certain nerve pain conditions. Because the effect wears off, cryoneurolysis can be a good choice when a period of lower pain is needed, such as during rehab after surgery.
Dr. Chen uses ultrasound to see the target nerve and position the probe precisely. The goal is to give you a window of less pain in which to move more and rebuild strength.
What happens during treatment
- 1.
Dr. Chen confirms the target nerve with an exam, ultrasound, and often a diagnostic block with local anesthetic.
- 2.
The skin is numbed, and a small probe is guided to the nerve under ultrasound.
- 3.
The probe tip is cooled for a short cycle, sometimes repeated along the nerve. You may feel cold or pressure.
- 4.
A small bandage covers the site, and you go home the same day.
Who may be a good candidate
- People with knee arthritis pain who want relief without steroids or surgery.
- People preparing for or recovering from knee replacement who want less pain during rehab.
- People with chronic pain from a specific sensory nerve that responded well to a diagnostic block.
Recovery
Most people resume daily activities the same day or the next. Mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the treatment site are common for a few days. You may notice numbness in the skin supplied by the treated nerve, which fades as the nerve recovers. Relief often lasts weeks to months, and the treatment can be repeated.
Risks and limits
Common effects include bruising, swelling, and temporary skin numbness. Less commonly, a small dimple or color change of the skin can occur at the probe site, and a treated nerve can become irritated for a time. Infection is rare. Cryoneurolysis may not be appropriate for people with cold-related conditions such as cold urticaria or cryoglobulinemia, open wounds at the site, or a bleeding disorder.
What to expect at your visit
- 1.
We listen first
Your visit opens with a real conversation: how the problem started, what you have already tried, and the activity you want back.
- 2.
Exam and in-office ultrasound
A hands-on exam, then ultrasound at the exam table, often while you move, so your physician can see the tendon, joint, or nerve involved.
- 3.
A clear diagnosis and plan
You leave knowing what is wrong and what your options are, from strength-based rehab to procedures, and why we recommend each one.
- 4.
Treatment and follow-through
Most procedures happen here in the office. We coordinate with your physical therapist and check progress against the goals you set.
Questions about Cryoneurolysis
- How long does cryoneurolysis last?
- Relief typically lasts weeks to several months, until the nerve gradually regrows. How long it lasts varies with the nerve treated and the person. If it helped, it can usually be repeated.
- Is cryoneurolysis the same as radiofrequency ablation?
- Both quiet a pain-carrying nerve, but cryoneurolysis uses cold and radiofrequency ablation uses heat. Cold treatment is designed to be temporary. Dr. Chen will recommend one or the other based on the nerve, your goals, and how long relief is needed.
- Will cryoneurolysis cause permanent numbness?
- Numbness of the skin supplied by the treated nerve is expected but temporary. It fades as the nerve recovers over the following weeks to months.