Cryoablation to reduce pain after total knee replacement

The Benefits Of Cryoablation In Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty - A Randomized Prospective Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional NYU Langone Health · NCT06991231

This trial tests whether adding cryoablation during total knee replacement helps people have less pain and need fewer opioid pain medicines.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment215 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNYU Langone Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06991231 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized 1:1 study will compare standard total knee arthroplasty with and without perioperative cryoablation applied around the knee. Eligible patients are those cleared for elective primary TKA for osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis and will be randomized to receive cryoablation plus surgery or surgery alone. Primary outcomes include patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and opioid consumption in the postoperative period, with follow-up visits at the surgical center. The single-center trial is conducted at NYU Langone Health and excludes patients with cold-related conditions or those having surgery for fracture, infection, or malignancy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults cleared for elective primary total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis who can undergo surgery and return for follow-up at the study center.

Not a fit: Patients with cold-related disorders (for example, cryoglobulinemia, cold urticaria, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, or Raynaud's) or those having TKA for fracture, infection, or malignancy are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, cryoablation could lower post-operative pain and reduce opioid use after total knee replacement.

How similar studies have performed: Prior small trials and pilot studies of perioperative cryoablation or cryoneurolysis for knee procedures have shown promising reductions in pain and opioid use, but larger definitive trials are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients are candidates for elective primary total knee arthroplasty for a diagnosis of osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis.
* Patients have been medically cleared and scheduled for surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with cold-related conditions (cryoglobulinemia, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, cold urticaria, and Raynaud's disease)
* Surgery for fracture, infection, or malignancy

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Post-Operative PainTotal Knee Arthroplasty
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.