Cryoneurolysis for the Treatment of Knee Arthritis to Facilitate Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Case Report

Abstract

A 65-year-old woman presenting with a sensory ganglionopathy complicated with COVID-19 is limited in her rehabilitation due to pain from lateral compartment knee osteoarthritis. To increase participation in rehabilitation, cryoneurolysis of the medial and lateral anterior femoral cutaneous nerve and infrapatellar branches of the saphenous nerve was provided to manage pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. The patient reported immediate relief from pain. Physiotherapy noted improvement immediately after the procedure. Follow-ups at 7- and 11-days post-treatment revealed ongoing increases in mobility and reduction in pain. The patient was discharged to live independently shortly after cryoneurolysis. Cryoneurolysis for knee osteoarthritis could be considered as a treatment option to increase participation in rehabilitation for hospital inpatients who are stalled in their rehabilitation due to pain and poor mobility from knee osteoarthritis.