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Radiofrequency and Cryoneurolysis in Pain Management: Development, Technique, and Application
Paul Elhomsy1, Benjamin Reliquet2, Gauthier Besson3
1Anesthesiology and Critical Care Department, Dijon University Hospital 21000, Dijon, France.
Pain Research & Management
|October 27, 2025
Summary
Radiofrequency and cryoneurolysis offer minimally invasive pain management for chronic and acute conditions. Evidence supports their use in various pain types, but careful consideration of risks and benefits is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Interventional Pain Medicine
- Neuromodulation
Background:
- Chronic and acute pain present significant challenges in healthcare.
- Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly sought for pain relief.
- Nerve-targeting procedures like radiofrequency and cryoneurolysis show promise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive narrative review of radiofrequency and cryoneurolysis in pain management.
- To explore the historical development, current techniques, and applications of these neuroablative methods.
- To summarize the existing evidence for their efficacy and safety.
Main Methods:
- Narrative literature review.
- Synthesis of historical data, procedural techniques, and clinical evidence.
- Analysis of applications in specific pain conditions.
Main Results:
- Radiofrequency and cryoneurolysis are effective for various pain conditions, including postmastectomy pain, phantom limb pain, radicular pain, and trigeminal neuralgia.
- Evidence suggests these techniques can alleviate both chronic and acute pain.
- Clinical guideline adoption and risk-benefit assessments remain critical.
Conclusions:
- Radiofrequency and cryoneurolysis represent valuable minimally invasive options for pain management.
- Further research and standardized clinical integration are needed.
- Healthcare providers must weigh the evidence, benefits, and risks for optimal patient care.
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