Cryoanalgesia or cryogenics is a specialized technique for providing analgesia by application of extreme cold to the nerve (commonly sensory nerve) under controlled condition. It is a quite useful tool in ablation of sensory nerves. Modern Cryoanalgesia traces its roots to Cooper et al, who developed in 1961 a device that used liquid nitrogen to achieve a temperature of –196 degree C.
The procedures can be done on day care basis. An accurate diagnosis with specific diagnostic injections of small volumes of local anaesthetic and meticulous localization of the nerve is critical for successful outcome.