The various methods available for neurolysis include surgical ablation, chemical ablation, thermal ablation, cryoablation, and mechanical compression. Cryoneurolysis is the direct application of low temperature to ablate nerves to provide pain relief. The cryoprobe consists of a hollow tube with a smaller inner tube. Pressurized gas travels down the inner tube and is released into the larger outer tube through a very fine aperture that allows the gas to rapidly expand into the distal tip. This extracts heat from the tip of the probe resulting in extremely low temperatures at the tip itself forming an ice ball. The severities of cryolesion are dependent on the cryotemperatures. The cryo technology has been used in many other specialities. The sophisticated architecture of the probe was the real limiting factor in manufacturing extremely narrow gauge probes till very recently. The absence of nerve injury beyond second degree makes cryoneurolysis extremely safe weapon. In case of any inadvertent motor damage during cryoneurolysis the fibres recovers completely within a short span where as the pain fibres are ablated for a longer period. Apart from the above, still more facts like minimal procedural pain, immediate onset of action and versatile utility in chronic pain anywhere in the body make it a perfect choice for the future of neurolysis.
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