Freeman Physicians 'Freeze Out Pain' for Knee Surgery Patients

Freeman Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is the first and only program in the area to offer iovera®, a form of cryoanalgesia. Cryoanalgesia is a method of relieving pain by freezing the affected nerve, causing an interruption of pain impulses to the brain. It does this by applying targeted cold to a peripheral nerve.

According to the manufacturers of iovera, pain relief lasts approximately 90 days until the nerve regenerates and function is restored. Treatment is performed two weeks prior to knee surgery to help reduce pain in the critical weeks following surgery.

“Our patients are achieving immediate and sustained pain relief which enables them to comfortably pursue and make progress in physical therapy,” said Dr. Derek Miller, Freeman Orthopaedic Surgeon. “That helps them get back to the activities that matter most to them more quickly.”

In addition to pain reduction and faster recovery, the manufacturers of iovera report patients who received the treatment before surgery requested 45% fewer opioid prescriptions at 12 weeks after knee replacement surgery. To find out more about this innovative treatment or to schedule an appointment, call 417.347.5400.

About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2019, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 70 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.