Iovera is a new nerve freezing procedure you can use to relieve knee pain, the most common cause of disability in the U.S. The best thing about this new technology is it reduces pain by taking advantage of your body’s natural reaction to cold. Iovera treatment is a nerve-freezing procedure performed 7 to 14 days before knee surgery that temporarily numbs the nerve at the area where the surgical incision will be made.
Iovera procedure in a nutshell
Cold temperature has been well-known to reduce painful sensations. Patients who are in pain are even advised to put a cold compress to numb the pain.
Cryoanalgesia or cryoneurolysis is a relatively new, modern approach to cold therapy wherein the parts of the nerve that carry signals to the brain are destroyed. However, the problem with the majority of the cryotherapy treatments is that they are invasive.
Iovera treatment, by contrast, is only minimally invasive. This is why it is considered revolutionary. Not only is the procedure only minimally invasive, it uses a handheld device to deliver cold temperature in carefully controlled doses. And since it can target a specific nerve, it does not destroy adjacent tissues.
What are the uses of Iovera?
- The system can be used to freeze and destroy tissues during surgery.
- It can block pain by producing lesions in the peripheral nerves, preventing it from sending pain signals to the brain.
- It can help relieve the pain and other associated symptoms of knee osteoarthritis for up to 3 months.
How can Iovera treatment relieve knee pain?
During the Iovera procedure, your doctor will basically freeze the nerves in the knee. They will use the Iovera hand-held device to deliver -20 °C to -100 °C of temperature to a specific nerve. This deliberately damages the nerve, which prevents it from sending signals to the brain.
Importantly, Iovera can only achieve up to second-degree nerve damage, which means that the damage to the nerve is reversible.
What are the benefits of Iovera treatment?
Iovera procedure has many benefits. These include:
- No damage to surrounding tissues
- Minimally invasive; no need for general anesthesia
- Can be done as an in-office procedure
- No need to take medication
- Has an immediate effect
Can Iovera treatment provide permanent pain relief?
No, the relief is temporary until nerve regeneration occurs. The duration depends on where the treated nerve is located.
Can the Iovera treatment be used to manage pain after knee surgery?
Yes, you can use Iovera to relieve knee pain after knee surgery. However, it should not be used as a substitute for doctor-recommended surgical treatments.
How can you prepare for Iovera treatment?
Like any other medical procedures, your doctor will ask about your medical history, allergies, and current medications. This is important, as Iovera is contraindicated to those who have open or infected wounds near the treatment site.
The treatment is also not advisable to those who have:
- Cryoglobulinemia
- Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria
- Cold urticaria
Do I have to limit my activities after treatment?
You should follow your doctor’s instructions. Generally, however, most patients can drive back home and resume their basic activities on the same day.
Where can I find Iovera treatment near me?
If you are looking for Iovera treatment in the Spring Hill area, don’t hesitate to visit Tarabishy Orthopaedics. Nerve-freezing treatment used prior to knee replacements is available in our clinic as an in-office procedure.
When it comes to orthopedic specialists, it’s important to find a highly-qualified and experienced doctor who provides world-class orthopedic care and meets your specific needs.
At Tarabishy Orthopaedics, we use our years of experience and training to provide our patients with the best orthopedic services. Dr. Tarabisy has been practicing for over 30 years and is known as a top specialist in Spring Hill and the surrounding area. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, he is fully trained, certified, and equipped to perform Iovera procedure as well as robotic-assisted knee and hip replacement surgery.
We offer innovative orthopedic services for patients from Brooksville, Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee, Hudson, Crystal River, Homosassa, and the neighbouring areas.
We also offer:
- Total joint replacement surgery,
- Mako Robotic Surgery,
- Trigger finger release,
- Carpal tunnel release
- And more!
Find out if this cryoanalgesia procedure is a good option for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 352 596 8558 or schedule an appointment.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
