Comprehensive Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis Pain through Cryoneurolysis: A Promising Approach for Deep and Superficial Genicular Nerve Modulation - Case Report

Abstract

Background Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent and debilitating condition characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Conventional non-operative treatment approaches often do not provide adequate relief of the patient’s symptoms. Cryoneurolysis of the superficial genicular nerves is a growing and accepted technique used to treat knee pain, however, there is limited literature demonstrating the effectiveness of treating both the superficial and deep genicular nerves, as well as the use of subsequent repeat treatments. Case Report This case study reports on a 65 year-old male with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-3 tricompartmental bilateral knee osteoarthritis who underwent cryoneurolysis of the superficial and deep genicular nerves with the iovera° cryoneurolysis device followed by two subsequent repeat cryoneurolysis treatments. Conclusion The results demonstrated a complete resolution of the patient’s pain and enhanced quality of life following cryoneurolysis. Furthermore, subsequent repeat treatments sustained the pain reduction, offering the patient an extended period of improved mobility and reduced discomfort. This case study demonstrates that cryoneurolysis holds promise as a valuable addition to the armamentarium of interventions available for managing knee pain and improving the quality of life for patients suffering from osteoarthritis when they are unable or decide not to pursue surgical intervention.