Sonographically guided cryoneurolysis: preliminary experience and clinical outcomes

J Ultrasound Med. 2012 Dec;31(12):2025-34. doi: 10.7863/jum.2012.31.12.2025.

Abstract

Chronic peripheral nerve pain is a common problem that can arise from numerous causes, for which neurolysis is a therapeutic option. It is postulated that cryotherapy will have less adverse events than other methods of nerve ablation. A retrospective case series review was performed in patients who had undergone sonographically guided cryoneurolysis for Morton neuromas, postsurgical and posttraumatic neuromas, and idiopathic neuralgia. Fifteen of 20 patients had a positive response to cryoneurolysis, as did 2 of 4 patients with borderline symptoms for chronic regional pain syndrome. In view of our positive results, we believe that cryoneurolysis should be considered a reasonable option in performing neurolytic therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cryosurgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuritis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neuritis / surgery*
  • Neuroma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neuroma / surgery*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional*
  • Young Adult