Implementing Cryoneurolysis for Postoperative Pain Control and Increased Mobility in Total Knee Arthroplasty

One of the most painful orthopedic surgeries reported is total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Pain management protocols for patients who have had a TKA include enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and multimodal analgesia (MMA) to help decrease opioid consumption. Cryoneurolysis is another method to add preoperatively to this regimen to help patients experience lower pain levels and increase mobility at a faster rate. Non-narcotic methods, such as cryoneurolysis, may give patients improved pain control without adverse effects. The objective of this evidence-based practice project is to examine the impact of adding cryoneurolysis to a Total Joint Replacement Program, specifically the TKA patients. This project supported the objective that patients who have preoperative cryoneurolysis reported more pain control and increased range of motion after having a TKA when compared to standard care.