Cryoablation for pain

Who it may help

• Knee pain from osteoarthritis, including before or after knee replacement
• Some nerve pain in the chest wall, shoulder or spine
• People who had good relief from a diagnostic nerve block

What happens

The skin is numbed and a probe is guided to the nerve with ultrasound or X-ray. The tip is cooled for a few minutes per site.

Recovery and outlook

Most people return to normal activity within a day or two. Relief may begin right away.

Risks

Soreness, bruising, temporary numbness of the skin, and rarely infection or nerve irritation.

Other options to discuss

• Radiofrequency ablation
• Nerve blocks
• Knee osteoarthritis

Cost and coverage

When a procedure is medically necessary, it is usually billed to health insurance, Michigan auto no-fault or workers' comp. Many plans need prior authorization. Our team checks your benefits before your procedure is scheduled and tells you about any cost you're likely to owe. See who usually pays · Ask us to check your coverage

Where to get care at Specialty Medical Center

Our interventional pain physicians see patients in Dearborn, Sterling Heights (15 Mile and Schoenherr Rd), Garden City and Pontiac, with online booking in Dearborn and Sterling Heights. Part of Specialty Pain Management.

Eduardo José Otero Loperena, MDInterventional pain medicineMohamed Osman, MDPain managementAaron Greenberg, DOPhysical medicine and rehabilitation

Who performs procedures, and where:

• Dr. Eduardo José Otero: Universal Care Surgery Center
• Dr. Mohamed Osman and Dr. Aaron Greenberg: Universal Care Surgery Center and Advanced Surgery Center
• Dr. Roy Torcuator: Advanced Surgery Center and Garden City Hospital

Office injections are done in our offices. Your physician confirms who performs your procedure, and where, at your consultation.

This page gives general information. Your physician will explain whether a treatment fits you, its risks and the alternatives.