CRYO ANALGESIA
Definition
When cryoablation is performed to ablate a nerve and alleviate pain. This specialized technique, also known as cryoanalgesia or cryoneurolysis, aims to provide long-term pain relief in the field of pain management.
History
Cold therapy for pain relief has been known to humanity for thousands of years. Hippocrates (460-377 BC) documented the use of ice for pain relief, describing how snow from ancient Greek mountains was applied to wounds.
Modern cryoanalgesia has its origins in the work of Cooper, who developed a device in 1961 using liquid nitrogen to achieve temperatures as low as -190°C. Ophthalmic surgeon Amoils later created a simpler handheld device in 1967, using carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide to achieve temperatures around -70°C.
The term “cryoanalgesia” was coined by Lloyd for its use in pain management. Unlike other methods of peripheral nerve destruction (such as alcohol, phenol, or surgical lesions), cryoanalgesia does not lead to neuritis or neuralgia.
Cryoablation Vs Radiofrequency
Cryoneurolysis offers a safer approach to neurolysis. It has fewer long-term complications compared to other methods. Importantly, it avoids the risk of pain differentiation, which can occur with radiofrequency procedures.
Indications
- Supraorbital Neuralgia, Infraorbital Neuralgia, Auriculotemporal Neuralgia, Mandibular Neuralgia, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Mental Neuralgia, Posterior Auricular Neuralgia, Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
- Ilioinguinal neuralgia, Iliohypogastric neuralgia, Genitofemoral neuralgia, Subgastric Neuralgia, Sacral Neuralgia, Pudendal Neuralgia, Cluneal Neuralgia, Obturator Nerve neuralgia, Peroneal Nerve neuralgia. Superior Gluteal Nerve neuralgia, Medial and Lateral Calcaneal Nerves neuralgia, Suprascapular Nerve neuralgia, Superficial Radial Nerve neuralgia.
- Facet Joint Pain, Sacroiliac Joint Pain, other causes of Lower Extremity Pain,
- Post-thoracotomy neuromas, persistent pain after rib fractures, or thoracic post herpetic neuralgia,
