Cryoneurolysis of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve (IPBSN) resulted in statistically significant decreased knee pain and improved symptoms compared to sham treatment for up to 150 days, and appeared safe and well tolerated, according to a recent study. In order to evaluate the efficacy and safety/tolerability of cryoneurolysis for reduction of pain and symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA), researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, multicenter trial with a 6-month follow-up in patients with mild-to-moderate knee OA. They found:

• Compared to the sham group, patients who received active treatment had a statistically significant greater change from baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale score at Day 30, Day 60, and Day 90.
• Patients deemed WOMAC pain responders at Day 120 continued to experience a statistically significant treatment effect at Day 150.
• Most expected side effects were mild in severity and resolved within 30 days.