The basic principle involves the accurate positioning of the cryoprobe onto the affected nerve branch and applying extreme cold. An iceball is formed around the nerve causing a prolonged block in nerve conduction.

The pain relief is almost immediate. The block is completely reversible. There is minimal recovery time needed. The majority of patients are able to resume full activity level the next day. Actually, they are able to do much more than prior to the procedure within days of having the procedure done.

What are the benefits of having the cryo procedure done?

• Long term pain relief
• Reversible nerve block
• Reduction in drug usage post-operatively
• The ability to repeat the procedure

What are the conditions that can be effectively treated with Cryoanalgesia (cryo)?

• Plantar Fasciitis-acute and chronic symptoms
• Nerve entrapments of the foot-including Morton’s Neuroma
• Tarsal Tunnel syndrome
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Entrapment neuropathy caused by scar tissue post-operatively
• Painful symptoms of Diabetic neuropathy
• Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
• Neuropathy of unknown origin
• Pain from amputation neuroma and stump neuroma
   

Cryoanalgesia (cryo) - The Procedure

Pre-op Work-up

A significant amount of time is spent during the pre-procedure work-up discussing the etiology of the patient's problem and discussing the various conservative and surgical options. All necessary diagnostic tests and procedures are performed to determine the exact diagnosis and when it is determined that the patient would benefit from the procedure, the risks, complications and expected post-op course and expected post-op results are discussed in great detail. All questions are asked and answered.

Day Of Procedure

The procedure is done in-office under local anesthesia. To alleviate any fears, it should be noted that in a comprehensive poll, 100% of patients have said that they would have the cryo procedure performed again, if necessary, and related no unpleasantness.

After a local anesthetic injection in the area where the incision will be made, a second deeper injection is placed directly onto the nerve branch where the procedure will be performed. After the foot is prepped for the procedure, a small two to three millimeter incision is made in the skin and the cryo probe is placed through the incision and directed to the nerve. Using ultrasound, the probe is guided to and placed onto the nerve branch and the procedure is performed. The actual procedure takes approximately seven minutes per nerve branch. No stitches are needed. A small compressive dressing is applied.

Post-op Care

The patient keeps the dressing clean and dry and intact for three days. After removal of the dressing, no post-op care is needed. The patient may return to full activity to tolerance, usually within three days.

80% of our patients relate 80% improvement in symptoms within a few days of the procedure.

Azcryo receives patient referrals from other Podiatric Surgeons when all their treatments have failed.
 

A powerpoint presentation of a lecture given by Dr. Rampertab to the attendees of The Western Podiatric Congress presented by the California Podiatric Medical Association discussing the surgical procedure is available for viewing.