Efficacy of percutaneous cryoneurolysis for pain management of rib fractures

Rib fractures are a common injury with several etiologies. Various techniques for managing pain with rib fractures have evolved over the past few decades. Pain control is key in reducing further complications of this traumatic injury. In this regard, cryoneurolysis is a form of interventional pain management that involves applying freezing temperatures to disrupt the signaling pathways of nerves, hence reducing pain. Alternative forms of pain management, such as cryoneurolysis, are being studied to find less invasive techniques and to reduce dependence on opioids and other potentially addictive forms of analgesia. The present investigation focuses on the overall efficacy of cryoneurolysis in pain management of rib fractures. In this review, we discuss the clinical significance of rib fractures, the mechanism and outcome of cryoneurolysis, and the safety profile of cryoneurolysis in clinical treatment.