Abstract
Background
Considered a safe and effective procedure, cryoneurolysis has been used to provide
pain relief for chronic joint pain for decades. The procedure is similar to common
ultrasound-guided percutaneous procedures. Although the literature is limited on the
efficacy and safety of cryoneurolysis, there is a consensus that the use of cryoneurolysis
is effective, with a risk profile similar to that of other percutaneous procedures.
Case Report
We are reporting the case of a 74-year-old male who underwent cryoneurolysis for chronic
right knee pain. Initially, the patient had complete symptomatic improvement, but
subsequently developed rigors and right knee swelling, prompting him to seek emergency
medical care. Computed tomography angiography was significant for myonecrosis and
phlegmon with early abscess formation. The patient continued to improve symptomatically
with i.v. antibiotics. He was discharged home on hospital day 8 with a peripherally
inserted central catheter.
Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?
Cryoneurolysis will likely continue to gain popularity as an option for pain management
in osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases. It is essential for physicians
to be alert to the possibility of severe, albeit rare, complications of a seemingly
safe procedure, given the potential to impact a patient's morbidity and quality of
life drastically.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 07, 2019
Accepted:
June 15,
2019
Received in revised form:
May 29,
2019
Received:
April 12,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
