What is Cryoanalgesia?
“Cryotherapy” or “cryoanalgesia” from Iovera, is a new pain management technique that uses focused cold technology to temporarily desensitize nerves, reducing pain and speeding recovery after surgery. Because this joint injection only impacts the sensory nerves in the knee, it leaves all muscle function intact.
Dr. Noelle DiGioia Guthrie is one of the only orthopaedic surgeons in the Pittsburgh area to use cryotherapy as a pain management tool prior to knee replacement surgery. She says, “It’s another excellent tool in our toolbox to use for non-operative pain relief from osteoarthritis.”
How does cryoanalgesia work?
Cryoanalgesia with the Iovera system applies freezing cold to a specific nerve to block and relieve pain signals coming from that nerve. Your provider will use a hand-held device to give precise injections of freezing cold that creates ice crystals around the targeted nerve.This immediately stops the nerve from sending pain signals.
What is the treatment like?
Treatments take 30 - 45 minutes. To start, a numbing agent is applied to the skin where you will have your injections. When the skin is numb, Dr. Guthrie administers a series of injections with small needles that deliver intense cold to a specific nerve. The effect of this treatment on the nerve is temporary and does not cause permanent damage. Pain relief can last as long as 6-9 months, patient dependent, and treatment can be repeated at 3 month intervals as needed.
Am I a candidate and what are the costs?
Cryoalangesia is already being used for knee pain associated with arthritis and can now be used preoperatively before knee replacement surgery to assist with pain control after surgery. Many people - whether they are opting to have surgery or not - are candidates. Iovera treatments can even be administered alternately with steroid or PRP injections to give maximum pain relief.
These treatments are covered by most Medicare programs and usually covered by other health insurance plans, although there can occasionally be out-of-pocket expenses. The Bone and Joint Center team will work with you to confirm if your insurance requires pre-authorizations.
To see if you are a candidate for cryoanalgesia treatment, or to get any questions you may have answered, call the Bone and Joint Center at 412-683-7272.
