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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2016; 20(05): 461-471
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1596063
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Ultrasound-Guided Cryoanalgesia of Peripheral Nerve Lesions

Sahlya Djebbar
1   Center for Musculoskeletal Care, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
,
Ignacio M. Rossi
2   Department of Radiology, Centro de Diagnóstico Dr. Enrique Rossi, Buenos Aires, Argentina
,
Ronald S. Adler
3   Department of Radiology, Center for Musculoskeletal Care, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
21 December 2016 (online)

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Abstract

The real-time nature of ultrasound makes it ideally suited to provide guidance for a variety of musculoskeletal interventional procedures involving peripheral nerves. Continuous observation of the needle ensures proper placement and allows continuous monitoring when performing localized ablative therapy and therefore more accurate positioning of a cryoprobe, use of smaller needles, as well as access to small structures. We describe our experience performing cryoablative procedures. Patients undergoing cryoneurolysis have largely reported varying degrees of long-term pain relief and improvement in function; no serious complications have yet been identified. Ultrasound-guided cryoneurolysis can provide a useful, safe alternative to other ablative techniques to achieve long-term analgesia from painful peripheral nerve lesions.

Keywords

cryoanalgesia - cryotherapy - peripheral neuritis - neuroma
 

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